I am not even sure how to express the odd combination of sadness and relief I feel in sharing the news that my dad, Hal Kaltman, passed away this morning. We got the call shortly after 5:00am that he had gone to sleep for the last time.
Many phone calls have been made, but if you are reading it here first, then I apologize for the impersonal manner in which you are learning of Dad’s passing.
This last adventure with dad started 4 weeks ago today with a trip to the ER for what we all assumed was pneumonia. What we then experienced, reveled in and endured over the next 4 weeks was nothing short of astonishing.
Dad left this place knowing he was loved and making sure he left you all knowing the same thing. When I had my final goodnight with dad, I expressed that while he lost this battle, it was clear he had won the war leaving behind a legacy of love and it would be noted and known that he went down swinging.
As we requested last night, please take a moment to leave a comment with how you knew Dad, what he want to you and a one word descriptor for him. We will use this info at his memorial services.
There will be services held in both LA and Vegas. Details will be posted here in the next day or two.
Thank you all for your love and support of our Hal.
I never met him but feel as though I got to know the essence of who he was through the stories shared by friends and family. And that is, that he was loved. DEEPLY loved. And I can think of no better way to measure the value of a human life. So my one word would be “LOVED.”
Amy I am so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing but at the same time I am relieved for you. Watching someone who once was so vibrant waste away and suffer is a horrible way to spend 4 weeks. Your Dad is finally at peace and it is my belief that in the hereafter we become vibrant and alive again with all the family that has passed. I send you my love and I thank your Dad for helping to bring you in to this world and indirectly into my life. You are a wonderful and amazing woman. Be proud, stand tall you did it all for your Dad. Love you! Jo
While I only met Hal once, I know his daughter Amy well. Her beautiful spirit and heart are a gift that he gave the world and to me. While I am sad to hear of his passing, and my heart aches for his daughter, I am happy to hear that he is finally at peace. Wishing the family peace and solace through these difficult times.
I will always remember the day we helped Hal moved into your house. It was a difficult situation, but everyone had a good sense of humor about it…and I could tell how much you loved him and how important family was to you and Ken. Jerry and I were touched, as we feel so similar about the ties that bind us.
Hal always had a nice smile for me and always asked about Jerry when I came to meetings by myself..sometimes I think he was worried about us as a couple:-) He needn’t have worried, but I was always touched by his kindness. This was a gentleman who really did care about people. I especially remember him a couple of years ago at Latke Fest running the kitchen…he worked hard that night! I could tell last year that he was upset at not being the chief latke maker…I think if he had known that was to be his last Latke Fest he would have stood up and started making them no matter how poorly he was feeling! And rest assured that he will be at all future Latke Fests, no doubt kibitzing with his fellow spirits on how he could do better:-)
Love and hugs to all of you.
Amy,
Although I knew this day was coming you are never quite ready to hear news you never want to hear. But when Ann Davis called me so early this morning i knew what I was going to hear. Amy I knew your dad from TALA and Fig. We just seemed to hit it off. Hal talked and I listened. I guess that made for a good relationship. I was sad when he moved to Vegas, because I would miss him, but yet I knew what a wise decision it was for him to move. I told Hal we would still see each other and we did. Two days after moving to Vegas we were there visiting with him. As we did on many trips after that. We always had fun dining with Hal and hearing about the old days. I can’t tell you how happy i am that you, Karyn and Melissa had the time together in the end. It really makes me feel that life somehow does work out in the end. Everyone and anyone who knew Hal will feel a moment of sadness today. Because with Hal’s passing we not only lost a kind caring and gentle man, but early this morning an era came to an end. Hal was bigger than life and will always have a place in the hearts of all who knew him. My Love and Thoughts are will the entire Kaltman Clan today.
Eileen Ellis
Amy – I am so sorry for your loss. I am so sorry for my loss. I met Hal over 20 years ago at Fashion Industries Guild. Since that time, I got married and Hal was there. I had two children and Hal was there. I retired and Hal was there. My daughter had a Bat Mitzvah and Hal was there. I was so sad when he moved to Las Vegas but Hal was happy – and he was still there listening and giving me advice. Hal was a great listener and a wonderful friend. He was generous with his time and caring to everyone. He made everyone feel special. I’ll miss him forever. Love to you and Ken. Lori
Amy,
Hal and I had lunch daily. Sometimes the highlight of my day was lunch. We were each others sounding boards and no topic was off limits. When Hal moved to L.V. people stopped me in lobbies, elevators or the street wanting to know about Hal. Most of the time I didn’t even know their names, but Hal DID! Love to you and Ken. Danny
This is a difficult comment to write as Hal was not only a very dear friend, he was family and a therapist ! We graduated High School together and lost touch until the early
80′s, when I saw him at Thriftys Drug Store. He stopped me and said: ” I know you .
You’re Maxine !” I looked at him and said : “My mother just had a stroke, I am her
only caregiver and my boyfriend has left me !” It was a bad time for me, and Hal…
well, he had his work cut out for him ! We had many conversations. He did
try so hard to get me to see my strengths and to see the whole picture….He wasn’t
always patient with me, but he always made time for a talk. We did laugh alot… He made many comments with sexual overtones, and we would chuckle. He was rough
and tough on the outside, but a real Teddy Bear on the inside. Once he let you in
as a friend, which was not an easy club to enter, you were always a friend, and you could always count on him. I do use the word ALWAYS alot, but that was Hal…..where
friends and family were conerned, he was always consistent…..friends and family
were of the utmost importance to him, and he did not treat them lightly.
I hope he knows he did it right…Many wore smiles because of him. He will surely be missed.
Hal dear, YOU WERE A FRIEND TO MY SOUL, A GIFT TO MY HEART AND JOY
TO MY LIFE….. I will alwys be thankful for our friendship
. My husband Bill, joins me in thanking you Amy and
Ken, for this fabulous site, and all the updates. May G-d bless all of you there and
keep you strong, as Hal would want. Rest easy, dear one. Maxine and Bill
Too my couisin Heshy
god bless you I’ll miss you and I loved you my heart hurts and I’ll never forget you……your couisin harold
Having just heard of Hal’s passing, I want to express my deepest sympathy to his family. Although I have not had contact with Hal since his move to Las Vegas, our friendship went back many years. He was part of a group of close friends from high school that remained in contact while sharing many good times together through the years. Hal will be missed, he was an integral part of our journey through life.
Hal was the only man I kissed on the lips to celebrate his 40th birthday and due to a few cocktails. This came only a few short years after I had meet Hal and we just about had to be pulled apart so as not to beat the s–t out of each other. Somehow some 30 years latter we still got a good laugh at our years together at Burlington Ind and the lunchs and happy hours at Dales. What a tremendous person Hal was during many years of pain and heartbreak at times. I mention this because he still saw the good in everyone and never looked for anything in return. To use the expression he would give you the shirt off his back would not even begin to explain how big a heart he had. His move to Vegas to be with his beautiful daughter was the happiest day he could of experienced after leaving a world of friends in Los Angeles. I will miss him dearly. God bless this wonderful man.
My condolences to you and your family. I had the honor and pleasure of sharing Passover dinner with Hal last month and saw first hand what a character he was. He had a presence in your family that will be dearly missed. Sending you loving and positive thoughts as you go through the mourning process.
Hal came into my life in the early eighties. There were many facets to our relationship, but I want to share with you how he made me realize what more I could do besides sell fabric and make money. He truly was my mentor when it came to community service and how to give back to an industry that has been so good to me. So, he plucked me out of obscurity, got me involved with TALA, where I eventually worked my way up to president (with Hal’s guidance of course). He got me MORE involved in City of Hope, Save A Life and finally Cedars Sinai Fashion Industry Guild. Besides the hard work there were lots of fun times and many laughs! Danny talks about having lunch with Hal everyday, sometimes they would even allow me to join them. We never got through lunch without people coming over, saying hello and paying their respects. And when 3pm rolled around, it was always coffee in the lobby. And even more people would come over for a quick hello. I hope Hal is joking and having coffee with some of them right now!
He was confidant to so many of us, I don’t know how he had time for his own life. But he truly cared about what was going on in my life, held my hand when I was grieving and celebrated the good times with joy for me. He was truly my friend, mentor and confidant and I will miss him. Who else is going to call me Dick Tracy because I was always asking him so many questions about who, what, when and where! And for the most part, he had good answers. I will always be waiting to hear, “Hey Davis” and turn around looking for you, Hal
Rest in peace dear friend, we honor you, cherish you and you will forever be in our memories.
Hal was my dear friend and mentor. He could always make me laugh and blush, and he always had my back. We were on the CalMart Board of Governors. He was Chairman, I was Recording Secretary, and we remained friends long after we both moved on to other things. I can think of lots words to describe him. One is multi-faceted. He was loving,loyal, generous, mischievous, hilarious and caring, yet occasionally difficult with a bit of recalcitrance thrown in for good measure. Well rounded….
I will miss him calling my cell phone and hearing him say Lizzzzard!!! But he knows he was loved and loved us in return. I was so lucky to have had him in my life.
Rest well, Hal.
Hal :
Thank you, if it was not Iwould not be able to serve our community as a Citizen Patrol but have allowed me to meet some great people who are now apart of my life as you were. You pave the way for me in more ways than one. You already have been missed by me personally .
Thanks you so very very much.
D. Lynch
I met Hal back in the 90′s when I called TALA and said I needed a someone to sell my line. Hal took it immediately with his partner Mel. And from there we just got to know each other more and more. Hal always give fully of himself. He was always there whenever I needed him. He made it his business to be where ever you wanted him. He made my birthday party and was there when my daughter was born. We shared an office, we had lunch together all the time, we would go have a coffee and watch the crowd in the lobby, especially the girls. He helped me though both the rough spots and the good times. He could be a tough cookie, but never to me. He took me under his wing and I always felt protected. He was larger than life and I was his sidekick, ‘the kid.’ For me, I’ll always have Hal.
Dear Ken and Amy,
The word that comes to my mind is PHILANTHROPIST.
Hal gave and gave of himself in whatever he was involved in be it Cedar Sini Hospital, TALA, Fashion Institute, and his latest adventure the Las Vegas Volunteer Police Department. He fully immersed himself in all these endeavors.
His hard work and dedication where worth more than somebody writing a check.
Take comfort and pride in knowing how much your dad was thought of and loved.
Love you both
Aunt Wini
Thank you Hal for your friendship…
Joe Cavender Citizen Patrol NLVPD
Amy and Ken, I am so sorry for your loss. Hal was a very special and charismatic person, with a unique personality all his own. He had a definite love of dim sum. I have fond memories of our dim sum lunch with you and your Dad, Amy. May he rest in peace, and may the many fond memories of him serve to comfort you.
My dear neighbors! Love you all so much! If it wasn’t for your Dad, Hal, my moms stay at Ceders would not have been so wonderful for her or us! He made sure we were taken care of. I would see Hal out and about in the neighborhood, stores and driving. He always had a smile and kind word. And would talk about anything. His smile will be missed but his presence will always be felt. Hugs dear friends
Hal and I met for the first time on December 13, 2010, the day we began our training to become volunteers with the North Las Vegas Police Department Citizen Patrol. That very day we went to lunch and our relationship began to bond from that time. Over the past 16 month Hal and I patroled together frequently and we enjoyed conversations on a variety of topics. Hal was an avid reader and consequently he was quite knowledgeable. Our friendship went beyond our scheduled patrols and often we would meet for lunch on days we were not working. Hal always spoke with love and appreciation about Amy and Ken, and expressed his gratitude to me that he was living with them. When the three of them would go out for dinner, he would give me a review of the restaurant. I have two words, not just one, to describe Hal: honest and perceptive.
Amy, Karyn, Ken and family ,
The first word that comes to mind when I think of Hal is “caregiver”. Whenever anyone needed something, be it business, a friend or you or someone close were going into Cedars, Hal was there. A funny thing that comes to mind was when I had to have back surgery and Hal made “the” call to make sure I was well taken care of! They gave me a room that I could have had a sit down dinner for 12 in! And yes, I was well taken care of, and I was one of many with similar experiences. He had a way of making you know that things would be ok and that you were safe. He gave a lot of us a lot of gifts in many different ways. He always seemed to be a friend first, and business was second. There was always some laughter in the end no matter what was going on.
Good bye, you gruff teddy bear, there will always be a warm spot in my heart for you.
Jonna
i was so sadened by Hals passing, yet i cant stop thinking what a truky great guy this was and his memory will be with me forever.. He taught me about philanthropy, how to get the most out of people with a smile and then followed it up with humor and class,,,, i will never forget walking down the aisle with Hal when i was honored by Cedars in 2001. He smiled and said you made the big time,, he made me proud to give my time and money to so many great causes… his attitude was perfect… i visited him ebefore he closed his showroom office and he gave me a picture of him and Ruth that sits on my desk ,,ill miss him ALOT,, Hes in heaven now with Ruthie and they are probably thinking about how they can figure out ho wto raise money for heavens upgrade.. please inform me of any plans 213 220 7845
Richard Clareman
To Mr. K
Hal and I became friends through the Citizen Patrol for the NLVPD, It was ironic how we could have had so much in common both being from NY and Hal living where my father owned a business. He knew exactly the neighborhood and everything around the area going back to the early 60′s. Hal told me stories about the early days when he used to come to Las Vegas and then we both would tell stories to each other that made us laugh. Back in those days when you played in a casino and you were a person and not a number on a players card that referred to you as MR. K. So to you Mr. K I say good bye and thank you for the memories.
Dear Amy and all concerned- What an ordeal you have all been through. I certainly understand the mixed emotions: you can’t talk to Hal anymore down here, but you know his suffering is over and he is with God telling Him how to run things!
I met Hal more than 20 years ago when he moved into the apartment below me with his partner Harold. Talk about the Odd Couple! Harold drove both of us nuts. Eventually Harold moved out, and it was just my pal “Downstairs”. He was always kidding around and telling everyone that we showered together every morning (you wish, Hal!) He was so great to have in the building-always finding ways to improve and make us feel safer. I know he was a big help to our landlord, and all of us.
He was always there to talk and lend his voice of experience, and to hand out the occasional largesse from his special events. He took care of some of my friends too that had to be in Cedars-they always got the best of care. I knew his broad shoulders were there for me no matter what. I have missed him greatly since he moved, but was also so happy that Amy made a place for him. Knowing I didn’t have to worry about him was a blessing.
I can’t seem to come up with one word that would embody all I feel about Hal-he was so much bigger than life! It’s hard to realize that I won’t get another chance to be “lectured” by Hal in this life-guess I’d better remember everything he’s told me-it was all good. Perhaps the word I could use would be “wise”.
My best to all Hal’s family and friends-and goodbye for now “Downstairs”-your “Upstairs” (Jory)
Hal was my FIG sidekick for 22 years. Before every meeting, he would bellow “turn off your cell phones everyone”!!!! This is how most people knew him….but inside we all knew he was a big softy who loved his family more than anything else. He always had the latest pictures of his granddaughter to show with pride. Hal, we will miss you terribly and we will always love you! We can hear the skies bellowing “Here comes Hal….turn off your cell phones…..Ruthie’s waiting to call the meeting to order”!!!
Barbara and Kenny
Oops…..don’t get mad, Hal….we meant granddaughters……
B&K
To the Family of Hal,
I am deeply sorry for the lost of my great friend and my Mentor Hal. He guided me through some of the most difficult stages of my life here at the California Market Center. Hal would help anyone that needed help. Besides serving in the U.S. Navy Hal and I was served on the same class of ship. He respected me as a Chief Petty Officer and I respected him also as a 2nd Class Petty Officer although we served in the Navy during different time frames, it was alway a pleasure to talk to him about the Navy. Hal had a great sense of humor and he would joke with me everytime I saw him. I work security for the California Market Center and I would seldom stop by his showroom to check on him. He was a great man that will be missed by all. I also thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on this web site. It is great to see the responses of other people who knew him “Rest in Peace, High Seas and Fair Winds”
You will never be forgotten and I will remember all the things you taught me through adversityh
Your Friend Always,
Radioman Chief Retired/USNR
California Market Center/Security
Marvin C. Jordan
I too met Hal in December 2010 at the start of our Citizen Patrol training. We patroled together and became friends. Hal and I had much in common due to our both being salesmen in our carrer. It would have been a blessing to know Hal years ago but I amd glad to have known this unique individual/.
I havent seen my cousin in many years but he was always the favorite of my mom and grandmother. He is up in heaven now laughing with them
Tireless dedication
Hal had a big heart and a huge capacity for giving. My condolences to his damily
Amy and Ken…I am thankful we finally got to meet in March…
Hal ( Hesh) And my mom ( Bernice) were first cosuins. They were born 9 months apart and were very close. I remember her telling me when he moved to California how much she had missed him but did get out there to visit him and her favorite Aunt Mary ( Hal’s mom). My mom promised to send me to California to visit Hal for my 16th birthday but she fell ill and I never got to make the trip. After my mother’s Death in 1983, Hal made it a point to call every few months to ‘check in on me.’ ( I think it was his way of still having a relationship with my mom, plus as he always said,’I was the first one named for his mom’)
For years I would tell my cousin Hal I was coming to visit and he would say,” stop the threats and come; Call me when you are at the airport.” My husband and I tried several times over many many years to make the trip and then all of a sudden everything fell into place in March. I was on vacation, the airfares were not too bad, we got a great rate at a hotel on the strip and suddenly, there we were meeting Hal and Amy and Ken for dinner in Vegas. We laughed and exchanged stories of family members long gone and those still around, all the time Amy was trying to figure out how we were all related. You see, in our family there are no first cousins, second cousins, we are just all cousins! After several hours of talking and laughing till Hal about cry, we said good bye and made plans to see eachother again later on that week.
Hal came by a few days later, took us to lunch and took pictures of us at the, “Welcome to Vegas” sign before he dropped us at the airport. He thanked me for a great time and bringing back memories. I told him we would soon come back to Vegas to visit, but told him he should come to Florida, He told, me “you just never know.” That was the last time i saw Hal.
Somehow, i think my mom had a hand in that trip to Vegas this year, Maybe to bring back good memories to Hal, to remind him about his Cousin Bernice, who I am sure is having a ball with Hal up in Heaven or maybe it was to have Amy and I meet to carry on the traditions of our family? Who knows? I am glad I got to make the trip! Hal, I am going to miss your calls, and I am going to miss you.
One word to describe Hal: LOYAL…to his friends, his family, his industry, his charities and causes and to me. Until we meet again Hesh…XOXOXO
Tammy & George DePace
Hal encouraged me to become involved in Advisory boards to CalMart management as the ownership evolved from Morse family to Equitable to Judah Hearst to Jamison. Hal was always the strongest, no BS, clear voice of advocacy for tenants in the building . His leadership taught me to not be afraid to express my opinions. I’ll miss our great leader!
As we all know, another side of Hal showed a unique and timely sense of humor like no other. We will never forget him!
Hal was my first cousin. We went many years disconnected as a result of his family moving to California, when we were both children. We contacted each other shortly before a family reunion in Las Vegas, several years ago. At that time both of us were living in the San Fernando Valley and met for bagels & coffee. He was so warm, friendly, interesting & funny. We stayed in contact with one another after that. We had numerous wonderful conversations. My one word description for him is “mensch.” I lost both of my parents to cancer and can tell you that the mixed emotions you are feeling are perfectly normal. Know that you did everything that you could for him and he realized how loved he is, by so many people ! Try to remember the happy times with him, if you can. It will help !
Hal was a giver, always a giver and never a taker. He always brought joy to my life from the first time he became a regular in my jazz club in 1984, helping me with security so I never felt alone. Working together at FIG since 1991 and always had a huge smile and a teddy bear hug for me every time i would see him. I was sad when he moved to Vegas but I am much sadder now. Who’s gonna yell and me and smile at me at the same time? Who?…..
Lifesaver–I still have the peppermint lifesaver that Hal gave me one day before I went out on Citizen Patrol. He will be missed!
To Hal’s family,
I first met Hal about fifteen years ago, when I was working at De Ball. Hal was our California
Sales Agent, and on my first trip to Los Angeles, Hal and I developed a great relationship.
It was easy, because he was similar in character to my own father. He was a Grizzly Bear
on the outside, but a Teddy Bear on the inside. That is, if he liked you! If you were a dishonest person, he would tell you to your face. I had the opportunity to get know Hal
pretty well on my numerous trips to Los Angeles, Vegas for MAGIC, and his one trip up
to Montreal in December – he hated the damn cold in Canada! I still chuckle about that trip,
beause Hal came to our company Christmas party in Granby, Quebec. Always one to get involved, Hal and my wife were in charge of selling the raffle tickets to the factory workers.
There was Hal on a snowy December night wearing a white sailor’s hat, and big grin on his
face, selling raffle tickets to French Canadians. They didn’t understand each other very well linguistically, but he sure sold a lot of tickets! I last spoke to Hal at the beginning of
this year, and he was so appreciative about living with Amy and Ken. Having the love and
care of his family and friends was so deserved for this generous man.
I am very saddened to hear about Hals death,my first days in california I met Hal and Joe in the maxfield building and they felt so sorry for me ,new in town no car no friends so it was off to the High Hat for some fun,thats just the kind of man that wanted all of us to feel that we are all in this life together and make the very best of it .