Harold Carl Alvin, Hal to his multitude of friends, passed from this earthly plane on July 26, 2020, at the age of 93 in Lindenhurst, Illinois. An Eagle Scout, his love of the outdoors was apparent from the start. After serving in WWII, he earned a degree in horticulture from the University of Illinois and put his knowledge to work managing a nursery. Hal took an active role in the Soil and Water Conservation Board, the Grayslake Community High School Board, and at the United Protestant Church in Grayslake. His hands built furniture, carved wood, hoisted sails, planted trees, and held the hand of his “best companion,” Nancy, for more than 66 years. Most knew him as a man who could boom with laughter, who would tackle any project, and who was always ready to help—a man of integrity and ingenuity.
Hal and Nancy took road trips across the country to explore parks and camp, and later to visit far-flung family and friends. In 2014, he had the privilege of participating in Honor Flight with WWII veterans. A devoted husband, treasured friend, and wonderful Dad, Hal was forever grateful for all his blessings.
He leaves his four children: Deb Pihl, Beth Anderson, Dan Alvin, and Jane School; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother Walter; and cousins, nieces, and nephews, who will all greatly miss him. Information on a Celebration of Life is forthcoming, but for now, in this time of a pandemic, please share your memories of Hal, honor him with a kind deed, and cherish your loved ones as he did.
Burial will be at Memory Gardens in Arlington Heights. If you would like to honor his memory with a charitable donation, please consider these organizations that were very special to him: The Honor Flight Network honorflight.org (Box L-4016, Columbus, Oh. 43260); Door County Maritime Museum http://www.dcmm.org/donations-membership/donations (120 North Madison Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235); or the United Protestant Church, 54 S Whitney St, Grayslake, IL 60030.