Harold E. Hedval

HEDVAL- Harold E. Hedval, 90, passed away April 7, 2011. Mr. Hedval was born in Little Falls, MN on May 4, 1921 growing up in Miles City, MT. After graduating from high school he worked at Yellowstone National Park as a Tour Guide driving visitors throughout the park in open roof “yellow buses” which are still used today. Throughout the years he shared many interesting stories with family members of his experiences working at the park. After leaving the Park Service, he worked for Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, WA and Portland Air Base in Portland Oregon. Deciding to join the Army out of Portland, OR, he attended flight school in Scappoose, OR graduating as a Flight Officer/Pilot. He received a honorable discharge from the Army/Air Corps in 1946. Mr. Hedval then moved to NM working for the Security Branch, Los Alamos, NM, Protective Force Section as a Security Inspector, transferring to the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Security Service, as a Courier in Albuquerque, NM. Mr. Hedval worked over 35 years in Government Service. Upon retiring, he then could play his beloved golf, playing five days a week, rain, shine or snow. He enjoyed fishing, traveling back to the Northwest every year visiting family and friends. In the last three decades, Harold and his soul mate traveled many miles to Montana, the Dakotas, Oregon and Washington visiting family, friends, and historic sites. Special times were shared by their love of nature, the beauty of Yellowstone and many interesting sites, such as whale watching off the coast of San Diego. At home he enjoyed feeding and watering the birds. He was an avid reader. Being from Custer and Lewis & Clark country he was quite knowledgeable of their history as well as the old west of years ago. He was a fun loving person who loved music and dancing. A caring person and loyal friend, he loved his family friends, and country. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by son, Stephen Hedval of Rio Rancho, NM and fiancé Janice Kavanaugh of Las Vegas, NM; grandsons, Erik Hedval and wife Alicia of Norfolk, VA, Zachary Hedval of San Diego, CA; granddaughter, Annie Hedval of Los Angeles, CA; daughter, Janet Lasater of Albuquerque, NM; granddaughter, Kelly Haddad and husband Adam; great-granddaughter, Kaylah Haddad of Albuquerque, NM; grandsons, A.J. Carian of Albuquerque, NM, Simon Carian of Vatican City, Rome; extended family, soul mate for over 35 years, JoAnn Zingg; Jacqueline Zingg Compton and husband Phillip of Calhan, CO; son, Christopher Anthony of Butler, PA, Mark Zingg and wife Vonda of Los Lunas, NM; daughters, Madison and Adaya Zingg. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph Hedval and Anna Larson Hedval; two brothers, Roy Larson, Erik Hedval; three sisters, Grace Larson, Margaret York, Corrine Qualls. The family would like to express their appreciation to Presbyterian Hospital Hospice for the outstanding care and kindness shown to our loved one during his stay. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm, Tuesday, April 12, 2011, Daniels Family Funeral Services, Sara Road Chapel, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 1:30pm, Wednesday, April 13, 2011, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. Interment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers or cards, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a veteran’s organization of their choice. Harold’s care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services Sara Road Chapel 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124 505-892-9920