Harold Arlen Dengerink

H.A. "HAL" DENGERINK June 6, 1943 ~ September 14, 2011 "Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." Theodore Roosevelt Hal Dengerink was born in Denver, Colorado to Harold and Ruth Dengerink, the eldest of five children. The Dengerink children inherited from their parents a strong work ethic and the standard that the work one does must be good work. Hal graduated from Denver Christian High School, earned a B.A. degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and continued on to graduate with a Ph.D. from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. In 1969 he began his academic career with Washington State University and ultimately spent his entire academic career at the university. Hal was the first person in his family to graduate from college and spent his career working to provide quality educational experiences for students. This work was, "the best prize that life offers." His career culminated with the role of Chancellor at Washington State University Vancouver. Building a university from the ground up is a rare opportunity. Upon moving to Vancouver Hal received another gift, a community that felt like home. His community involvement complimented the university work and the two together provided, "hard work worth doing." Hal and his wife, Joan, were married for 47 years. They have two daughters, Kris Collier-Travis (Brian Travis) and Erin Dengerink. Hal and Joan have seven grandchildren: Peter, Dane, Gavin, Amelia, Aidan, Annabel, and Faith. Hal was proud of each of his children and grandchildren. His favorite pastime was teaching them how to build things and how to use tools. One grandchild proudly announced, "My grandpa can build anything!" A Celebration of Hal's life will be held at 11 a.m. October 1 in the Dengerink Administration building on the Washington State University Vancouver campus. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Hal are encouraged to make a contribution to the H.A. "Hal" and Joan Dengerink Endowed Fellowship. To make a contribution, visit www.vancouver.wsu.edu/gocougs and click on the "Dr. H.A. 'Hal' and Joan Dengerink Endowed Fellowship Fund"

Harold Arlen Dengerink

June 6, 1943 - September 14, 2011