Calvary Chapel Pastor Passes at the Age of 76

Story by Carol Iman

After serving as an assistant pastor at Calvary Chapel Paradise, CA, and then Truckee, CA, Ron Hall became the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Sierra Valley, CA, where he was ministering when he went home to be with the Lord.

Ron and his wife, Judi, raised their two daughters along with many foster children. Friends remember Ron as always being Christlike. He would share his faith with those who others might call the least of these and often in tough situations. Ron would visit kindergarten classes, when requested, to sing songs about Jesus and play the guitar in public schools. 

Ron also made himself available to minister to the sick and elderly and those in extended care to sing to them and be by their side. At the age of 70, he became a volunteer fireman for Sierra Valley and he also was a chaplain for many years. At Ron's memorial, the Sierra Grange hall was packed. The Sierra Valley Fire Department attended along with the Sierra County Sheriff Department to honor Ron. 

This was spoken at the service: "The world lost a great man today. So often the world connects a great pastor with numbers. Some say that a great pastor is someone who has a large flock, manages a large budget, or has impressive oratory skills. Pastor Ron was great in different ways; more godly ways. He dedicated his life to serving the Lord in a small town called Loyalton in Northern California, where he faithfully taught his congregation the word of God. 

He was a passionate supporter of world missions and was kind, humble, generous, sincere, and selfless. He and his wife Judy dedicated themselves to raising children who needed a family, and while I don't know the exact number of children who lived under their care, I know it has been many. His love and gentleness were something that I always admired, and if there was one thing that I could say about Pastor Ron that made him great it's that he was like Jesus! Ron is one of those men who ran and finished well, and while I am heartbroken at the loss, I am confident that we will one day see Him again!”