Life-long Marin resident Hal Lauritzen, 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, surrounded by his family and beloved Labrador, Murphy. Hal spent his last months in his home looking out at the Bay he loved.
Raised in Ross, Hal graduated from Marin Catholic High School in 1951. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed on Hokkaido and Sendai, Japan.
Hal worked as a buyer and manager for Grodin’s a prominent menswear chain; in the mid-70s he shed the corporate necktie for life as a free-lance photographer. Many of his photos graced the covers of local and national publications, including 56 covers for the San Francisco Chronicle’s weekly magazine “California Living.”
Most notable is Hal’s stunning photography for his iconic coffee table book “Marin” created with writer Beth Ashley. The book has been called “a visual love letter to Marin County,” capturing its oak studded hills, resplendent coast, and quirky communities.
Hal loved Marin. Like the talented photographer he was, he never stopped seeing it. He saw the fog roll in, curled over Mt. Tam. He saw pelicans diving into the crystal bay and massive tankers passing by the Richmond bridge. Even at 93, he was still in awe of the beauty in front of him.
Hal cherished his neighbors in San Rafael’s “Bayside Acres” a.k.a “Chicken Point” where he lived for 55 years in a beautifully refurbished 1926 hunting lodge on the water. Everyone who knew Hal loved him and appreciated his sharp sense of humor. Whether dropping in on a local eatery, or hiking in the hills, he was an often-seen fixture in the North Bay.
Hal loved a wild duck dinner, a dreadful pun, a well-trained retriever, fine wine, a day of hunting, boating, and his family and friends.
Hal lived life to its fullest.
Hal is survived by his brother Bruce Lauritzen, daughter Kathryn Lauritzen (Ben Sestanovich), son Steve Lauritzen (Julie), and cousin Bob Johnson (Elaine). He will be mourned by his grandchildren Zoey, Julian and Nick, his friends, and his Labrador Murphy.
Memorial gifts may be sent to Ducks Unlimited
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