Harold "Hal" Gordon Umland

Harold Gordon “Hal” Umland, age 84, passed peacefully at his Ellensburg home on Friday, May 5, 2023 from pulmonary fibrosis.  Hal faced mortality bravely, his lucidity and humor intact.  In his final weeks he was uplifted by the many visits of family, friends, and colleagues.  At the end, Hal was held and comforted by his loving wife, Donna, and close friend, Frank Arnold.

Hal was born in 1938 to Joycelyn and Harold Umland in Long Prairie, Minnesota.  The family moved to Seattle, but Hal never forgot his formative years of outdoor exploration along the banks of the Long Prairie River.

Hal was a 1956 graduate of West Seattle High School.  Following study at the University of Washington, he served in the United States Marine Corps.  While employed at Boeing, Hal took International Telephone and Telegraph courses in the earlier days of computer technology.

Hal married Mia Mendoza and they were blessed with four daughters:  Carrie, Connie, Carla, and Camille.  The young family moved to Ellensburg when Hal joined the staff at Central Washington University as an Electronic and Telecommunications Specialist—a job he treasured for three decades.  Mia and Hal parted but remained genuinely supportive friends.  Hal’s daughters’ achievements in the study of law, entrepreneurialism, animal activism, and belief in God were great sources of pride.

Hal’s four-wheeling, snowmobiling, and horseback riding adventures became family legends.  Becoming a member of the Ellensburg Rodeo Posse was a highlight of his life.  Hal was never more honored than to don the yellow shirt and represent Ellensburg throughout the Northwest.

Hal would meet Donna Pace, who shared a passion for the out of doors. Hal and Donna, a fellow CWU professional, were married in 1992.  A passionate gardener, she taught him the beauty of plant life. He introduced her to horseback riding, and together they camped in Alaska, traveled to Mexico, and Central and South America.  They visited Europe and cruised the Mediterranean.  Love of family, good food, and interesting literature were shared experiences.   Hal loved Donna’s gentle ways, quick wit, beauty, wonderful humor, and tolerance of his imperfections.

Stoic in the face of diversity, Hal was quick to laugh and lighten the moment with levity.  He believed in the value of hard work and the resulting rewards.  He was a believer in democracy, a patriot, and a proud American citizen.

Hal is survived by his wife, Donna, daughters Carrie Umland; Connie Kollinger (Howard); Carla Vogt (Mark); Camille Umland; sister, Linda Hall, (Steve); three stepsons Jeff Pace; Chris Pace (Maureen); Mike Pace (Patty); five grandchildren, six step grandsons, one great grandson, one step great granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hal will be laid to rest at the IOOF cemetery close to his parents. Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com