Virginia Oil and gas Association
With the recent passing of Don Hall, the Virginia Oil & Gas Association has lost one of its founding members, a prominent figure in the industry as well as in his community.
And, for many members of VOGA, the news of Don's passing meant the loss of a professional colleague and friend.
VOGA Founding Member
In 1977, along with eight other industry representatives, Don, formed the organization that today has a membership of more than 100 and has become the voice of the industry in Virginia. He served as VOGA's secretary-treasurer for 19 years, and served as a member of the Board of Directors for the entire existence of the organization.
As part of his service to the industry, Don spent time lobbying the Virginia Legislature to enact improvements for Virginia's oil and gas industry. He served on various committees in writing the Virginia Gas and Oil Act, various industry regulations and the Gas and Oil Board Regulations. In 1990, he was awarded VOGA's David M. Young Memorial Award, given in recognition of distinguished professional service, dedication and leadership in contributing to the growth and advancement of the oil and gas industry in Virginia.
Community Service
In addition to his service to the industry, Don also was a community servant, coaching various levels of youth baseball and basketball for 20 years, and serving on the Little League Board of Directors for 10 years. For nearly 25 years, he served as a volunteer assistant to the local high school baseball and basketball teams. He was a two-time recipient of the Lonesome Pine District Distinguished Service Award.
VOGA Fixture
Many VOGA members will remember Don's faithful attendance at association meetings, reading the list of new Board member nominees at the Annual Meeting, his recollection of industry events or just enjoying some downtime by the Cavalier Hotel swimming pool. His easy-going approach and warm personality were appreciated by those fortunate to have known him for years, as well as by those who met him for the first time. Our organization was bettered because of Don's participation.
Surviving are Don's wife, Sherlene Ousley Hall, a daughter, Jennifer Kilbourne and her husband Andy; two sons, Scott Hall and his wife Kimberly, and Seth Hall and his wife Tracie; four grandchildren, Kylee Kilbourne, Koby Kilbourne, Alex Hall and Noah Hall.
Memorial Contributions
Memorial contributions in Don's name may be made to the J.J. Kelly Baseball/Basketball Boosters, 716 Birchfield Road, Wise, VA 24293; UVa-Wise Baseball, 1 College Ave., Wise, VA 24293; and Wise Little League, P.O. Box 2264, Wise, VA 24293.
