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Posted on Thu, Sep 17, 2009 : 11:14 p.m.

Willow Run salutatorian Pascal Hall to be given final remembrance Saturday

By James Dickson

When Pascal Hall's life was cut short Aug. 26 following a motorcycle accident, he left behind a family and a community touched by his generosity.

In his 29 years, Hall earned a black belt in Taekwondo, graduated at the top of his class, served his country as a Marine and assisted in the protection of Barack and Michelle Obama. In death, he saved five lives as an organ donor.

Pascal Hall.jpg



Hall was riding his motorcycle home from the gym when he was struck by a motorist at around 8 p.m. on the night of Aug. 25. He died the next day, after his organs were harvested. 

The driver, who has only been described to the Hall family as a "young woman," has not been identified. Hall's family members, in an interview at brother Dominique Ejarque's home Thursday night, said they harbor no ill will for the young woman and hope that, in time, she will overcome the guilt she no doubt feels.

Hall earned the distinction of salutatorian for the class of 1998 at Willow Run High School. Family members are working to secure his entry into Willow Run's Hall of Fame. Beyond graduating at least five years ago, nominees for that honor "must be outstanding role models; exhibit outstanding leadership, character and service; have made significant contributions to their respective communities and professions," says the Hall of Fame's Web site.

From Willow Run, Hall moved on to the University of Michigan, where he graduated from the College of Engineering in 2002. Even though he didn't do ROTC in college and could have chosen a different path, Hall opted to join the U.S. Marine Corps after graduation.

As a Marine, Hall served two tours of duty in Iraq before his service ended in 2006. He then worked in various security-related jobs before joining the U.S. Secret Service last December.

Hall had completed his training and began working at the U.S. Secret Service Uniform Division when he was killed.

The Uniform Division, according to the Secret Service Web site, is tasked with protecting the president and vice president, along with their families, residences (including the White House) and offices used by the president.

John Hall, Pascal's father, said the Secret Service offered to inter Hall at Arlington National Cemetery. But that process would have dragged on until at least November. The family preferred closure and laid Hall to rest last Saturday at the Palm Mortuary Northwest in Las Vegas. John said that even if Pascal is eventually approved for Arlington, Las Vegas will be his final resting place.

The community will have another chance to remember Hall this Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Grace Apostolic Temple, at 2898 Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor.

The family said an estimated 500 people attended Hall's funeral at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Washington, D.C., including a cadre of Secret Service officers and Marines.

The family is hoping for a similar turnout Saturday. They expect a presence from the Secret Service's Detroit office, Hall's brothers in the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and friends and others from the community.

Anyone who knew or was touched by Hall is encouraged to attend.

Pascal's grandmother, Celestine Hall, said Hall's spirit lives on in the lives he saved. The family didn't know Hall was an organ donor until after his death.

"Pascal's soul might be gone, but because of him, others have life," she said. "That's his legacy."

James Dickson of AnnArbor.com can be reached at (734) 623-2532.

Comments

Khanh

Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 1:20 p.m.

OH MY GOD, I just can't believe this great friend of mine passed away last year. I just found out about this today. I'm sorry brother. We were in the same platoon at Marine Corps boot-camp. We were down in FLETC training together. He's one of the strongest persons I know, the only peer that I ever respected, an inspiring leader that I have always admired. I know he was under the enemies' fires in Iraq, but he survived and brave fully accomplished his missions. Most of all, he was such a great person that truly touched many people lives, including me. Rest in peace brother, rest in peace.

annarbor

Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 7:59 a.m.

Heart wrenching... Your tour of duty has ended, Marine. God bless you and your. Semper Fi-

LK

Fri, Sep 18, 2009 : 6:43 a.m.

Beautiful tribute. God Bless the family and friends.