John Andrew Hall dies

John Andrew (Andy) Hall ’58, who taught mathematics at Lewis & Clark College for 15 years, died March 11 at the age of 92.

Born in Kansas City, Kan., in 1907, Hall moved to Vancouver, Wash., at the age of 7. He managed a laundry for 24 years, before the building of the Vancouver freeway forced him to tear down the family-owned business.

Hall’s daughter Betty Hall McFarlane ’55 and his son, Drew Hall ’55, encouraged their father to pursue higher education. While attending Clark Junior College, Hall discovered he had a flair for mathematics. He transferred to Lewis & Clark College and graduated, at the age of 51, summa cum laude with a degree in mathematics.

“If I had to dig ditches the rest of my life, I would always regard the past four years as the happiest period—and the most worthwhile—I have ever spent,” the most senior member of the senior class told The Oregonian.

Instead of digging ditches, Hall spent the next 15 years teaching freshman mathematics. He retired in 1973.

“Andy was a real gentleman,” said Roger Nelsen, professor of mathematics. “His unique background helped him in the classroom. He understood his students and knew how they struggled. I learned a lot about teaching from Andy.”