Harold B. Lindberg

Harold B. (Hal) Lindberg, 92, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2017 in Richland, Washington. He was born on April 8, 1925 to Oscar and Marie Lindberg in Spokane, Washington. He spent his childhood in Spokane, graduating from North Central High School. He moved to Richland in 1952, where he lived for the rest of his life. Hal embodied commitment to his family and his faith, and service to both his country and his community.

Hal married Margaret E. McCullough on June 28, 1957, and together they raised their children, Kristen, Marcus, and Sara. Hal took great joy in and was very proud of his children’s accomplishments and endeavors. Hal and Margaret were also blessed with four grandchildren, Alison, Ben, Sara Anne, and Hannah. He was his grandchildren’s number one fan, never missing a local performance or competition.

Hal was a long-time member of Westside Church, dutifully serving as the head usher captain from 1980 until 2016. He also served as an elder of the church.

Hal was drafted into the U.S. Army, receiving his notice shortly before he graduated from high school in 1943. He served in the Philippines during World War II as an infantry gun crewman. While he seldom spoke of his war experiences, he was forever grateful for the opportunities offered by the G.I. Bill in return for his sacrifices during combat. The G.I. Bill enabled Hal to attend Washington State College (University) where he received a bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

He also became an ardent life-time follower of WSU football, celebrating every victory and was tormented (all too often unfortunately) by their defeats. Hal was truly an undefeated fan—“GO COUGS!”

Hal began his professional career with General Electric in 1952 as the editor of the company newspaper. He continued his career with five contractors, leading communications and public relations for the Hanford Site until his retirement from Westinghouse Hanford Company in 1988.

Hal loved the Tri-Cities and supported his community in many ways. Over the years, he served as a member of the board of directors for the Kadlec Medical Foundation, the Benton-Franklin Chapter of the Red Cross, the Tri-Cities Water Follies, and the Lower Columbia Basin YMCA. He was also a member of the Nuclear Waste Advisory Council, the Tri-Cities Economic Development Council, and the Kiwanis Club. He also established the Hanford Retiree Association and served as its president for many years.

Hal was appointed as a commissioner for the Port of Benton in 1981, to fill a vacated position with an unexpired term. He then ran for election in 1983, securing his first six-year term. After his first election, he ran unopposed in subsequent elections as no one wanted to challenge him. He proudly served as a Port of Benton Commissioner, advocating for the economic development of the Port of Benton and the Tri-Cities until 2007 when he chose not to run for re-election. Lindberg Loop and Hal’s Half-Acre at the Richland Airport honor his long-standing commitment to the Port of Benton.

Hal is survived by his wife of sixty years, Margaret, his son, Marcus, and daughter-in-law, Deanne, and their daughter, Sara Anne, his daughter, Sara, and son-in-law, Eric, and their children, Ben and Hannah, and his granddaughter, Alison. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kristen.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Datta and his staff for their care and support, Matt Bunday of CBRC, who helped Hal maintain a quality life with his excellent personal training skills, and the caring staff and caregivers at Brookdale Richland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hal’s name may be made to the Blue Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on July 15 at Westside Church North, 615 Wright Ave, Richland, WA.