Hal Sisson passed away of severe Aortic Stenosis after 18 days in hospital waiting for a heart valve replacement. He was able to spend Christmas day at home, but unfortunately the medical bureaucracy moved too slowly for the operation to take place.

The Sisson Family sends a big THANK YOU to all that attended Hal Sisson's Life Celebration in person and in spirit on January 16, 2010. Hermann's Jazz Club in Victoria was overflowing with a capacity crowd, copious stories about Hal and lots of laughter and some tears. Dwayne Rowe gave the champagne toast in his honour and members of the Peace Players even did a skit. Thank you to CanUS for the wonderful music and all the staff at Hermann's for dealing with all the extra people.

Peter Zaza noted "what a wonderful send off for your father. I don't feel bad for having such a good time at his memorial, I think that's exactly what he would have wanted. I was fascinated to hear all those people tell stories about him in relation to his work in the theater, his law practice, writing, family, sports - we met him because of 9/11, but so varied were his talents, I suppose we should not be surprised that such an amazing man would transcend all those labels and engender the same warmth and friendship among such a diverse crowd as we witnessed.

Our friend Elaine sent me an email with this note: A lovely tribute. Next to a life partner of many, many years a man's daughter knows him next best and I respect Lindy for acknowledging her father's commitment and addressing the complete, whole, cherished pieces of her Dad.

Many people have asked to make a donation in his honour. As his last book Pot Shots was about the legalization of pot and prostitution we have decided to recommend supporting PEERS Victoria Resource Society, a non-profit society dedicated to the empowerment, education and support of sex workers. Donations can be made at www.peers.bc.ca. Otherwise keep supporting the cause of your choice in his honour.

ARTICLE CORRECTION:

There are many amazing stories about Hal Sisson and most of them are true, however it was reported in the Victoria Times Columnist that he "had undergone several court martials in the Forces." This was not the case, however he did try to put an officer on charge and that's why they shipped him out to England and another unit the next day.

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