OFFICER ORVIL M. HALE

BADGE 904

SDPD 07/07/1961 - 10/11/1972

01/16/1940 - 10/10/2025

THE THIN BLUE LINE

January 16, 1940 – October 10, 2025

Orvil “Orv” Hale passed away peacefully at his home in Escondido, California, on October 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

A native San Diegan, Orv joined the United States Marine Corps with dreams of “seeing the world.” Ironically, the world turned out to be San Diego Harbor—where he remained for most of his service. After attending sea duty school and serving as an orderly for six months, he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal and assigned as a driver for a U.S. Navy Admiral. During his time in the service, he worked for four Admirals as part of the COMCRUDESPAC Flag Allowance. Though stationed aboard impressive flagships, the ships were anchored just off what is now Seaport Village—right in his own backyard and not far from the San Diego Police Department headquarters, where he would later launch his second career.

Following his military service, Orv joined the San Diego Police Department, where he served for 10 years before continuing another decade with the Carlsbad Police Department. While with the San Diego PD, he helped establish and train members of the Combined Police Color Guard. This group included sworn officers, reserve officers, Explorers, and members of the School Safety Patrol. The Color Guard performed at police academy graduations and provided ceremonial services at police funerals.

He also served as the coordinator of the department’s Law Enforcement Explorer Post, a co-ed group of high school and college-aged youth interested in law enforcement careers—a program he continued during his tenure in Carlsbad.

An avid long-distance runner, Orv completed 21 marathons, including the prestigious Boston Marathon. He later became a partner in a Vista-based sporting goods and photography shop, which allowed him to sponsor and coach his sons’ Little League teams. He emphasized fairness and sportsmanship, often encouraging the team to run the outfield with the slowest runner in the lead—so no one would be left behind.

In retirement, Orv’s passions included woodworking, furniture-making, and crafting toys for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His love for carpentry began at age 12 when he purchased his first electric drill from the brand new Sears store in North Park. He eventually built his own Woodshop at home in Escondido. Aside from his love for his wife, Caroline, his workshop was his cherished refuge.

Orv was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Alma Hale, and his sister, Nadine. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Caroline; daughters Bonnie Marvin and Sharon (Jay) Rachels; sons Richard and Kenneth; grandchildren Stephanie (Chris), Tessie (Matt), Jennifer, Jessica, Corbin, and Caden Hale (mother Crystal Hale); eight great-grandchildren; and many lifelong friends.

He will be remembered for his humor, kindness, honesty, and, above all, his deep love for his family.

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