HALSEY, Carl Curtis

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Tuesday, September 13, 2011 - Carl Curtis Halsey, longtime valley resident, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and first-generation “China Laker” lost his battle with cancer Sept. 3, 2011. He was born June 29, 1931, in Wynnewood, Okla., to Curt and Jewel Halsey. In 1950, Carl entered the Air Force and became an explosives ordnance-disposal technician. He served in the Korean Conflict and ultimately became a nuclear-weapons technician in the Strategic Air Command. Upon his discharge, he returned to China Lake and went to work for the Navy. Passionate about his work, he retired in 2005 after a 54-year career in Civil Service, working in far too many programs to name, although some of his favorites included the Polaris testing at San Clemente Island. He loved to travel, and his career took him to many interesting places including Switzerland, Japan, the Philippines, Iceland, Vietnam, Egypt, Norway, Australia, and many other places he “couldn’t talk about.” He was proud of the many awards and achievements he received while working at “The Lake” including six patents, a Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Kit Skaar Award, the Charles Lauritsen Award, the William B. McLean Award, and being bestowed as a Naval Air Warfare Center “Fellow”. However, none of his success could have been accomplished without a strong and supportive wife. Carl met his wife, Marie Pearce, locally in 1958, and they were married in 1959. At that time, it was the largest wedding to date at All Faith Chapel. Following his retirement, Carl enjoyed even more travel and off-roading in his Razor with the grandkids, and hanging out in Smith, Nev., with new friends. In 2010, he and his companion of several years, Lorna, moved to Lake Havasu to enjoy their new house and the beautiful views of Arizona. Carl is survived by his oldest son, Greg, (Suzan) and children Kelsey and Geoffrey; son Ron (Bridget) and children Garret and Sydney; his daughter-in-law Sharon Halsey and her children Brandon and Sara; sister Valene (Steve) Staley; niece Kelly Staley and nephew Matt Staley; aunt June Arnett; several cousins and his companion, Lorna Arcularius. His son David and wife, Marie, passed before him. Funeral services are planned graveside 10:30 a.m. Friday at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, located at 2200 S St., Palmdale, Calif. Condolences, memories and thoughts can be sent to the family at www.lakehavasumortary.com. Arrangements are under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.