Harold C. Vincent of Jamul, California was born April 9, 1907, and passed away peacefully at home May 16, 2007, 37 days past his 100th birthday ~ living a long and "storied" life. Affectionately known as "Hal", he was a happy and gentle man. The third child in a family of seven children, he was the last of that generation, raised in and around Hanford, California. Hal was a painting contractor, working until the age of 80 and residing in La Mesa over 40 years. In 1959 he married Carroll (Van Deventer) of Duluth, Minn. His beloved, Carroll predeceased him in 2003. In late 2004, a friend from earlier days, Rena Hopkins, came to visit. They became sweethearts and Rena was his devoted caregiver giving a much needed helping hand to his son, Dan. Hal was an avid Padres fan and never missed a game. He also loved crossword puzzles and jumbles, gardening, traveling and Western movies. Hal was a member of the El Cajon Church of the Nazarene and was active in the La Mesa Forum for many years. He leaves his daughter, Heather Vincent-House; sons Dan Vincent (Betty), Dennis Dahlin (Dottie); granddaughters, Jennifer (Joe), Nicole (Tom), Michelle (Kevin), Dione (George); and grandson Dennis, Jr.; along with three great-grandchildren. Hal was proud of the accomplishments of his many nieces and nephews. One in particular, Jan Michael Vincent, gaining fame in Hollywood most notably in "Air Wolf" and "The Winds of War." Hal and Carroll, became "adopted" grandparents to the Daniels family of La Mesa, Rick, Maribeth and their sons, James, Rich, John and Ryan. They enjoyed spending holidays, birthdays and very special times together. Services will be Saturday, May 26th, 6 p.m. at the Salli Lynn Chapel at Greenwood Mortuary, San Diego, CA. Visitation will be one hour prior to Services. May God bless everyone who helped us in this difficult time. Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle, you will be greatly missed. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on May 25, 2007