“Hal” Harold Calvin Todd, 85, of Oak Harbor, passed away on July 25, 2011. He was born on July 6, 1926 in Northville, Mich., to Joseph H. and M. Katherine (Schuh) Todd. He was one of three children.

Hal began his naval career by being selected for the V-12 training program in April, 1944, while he was still in high school. He eventually earned a maste’rs degree in Microbiology from the University of Washington. In 1948 he married Michiko Yamada.

Hal rose from the ranks of the Naval Reserve to eventually retire as a captain in 1988. In his 40 years of service, he commanded several reserve units. During his extended career in the reserve, Hal moved from microbiology to communications where he excelled as an engineering technical writer and developer of communications equipment. Hal also worked for the Veteran’s Administration in Seattle and for Boeing, where he designed and installed communications equipment in several airplanes. He was also the senior communications engineer for the city of Seattle (1972) and was a major player in developing the 911 system and equipment.

On July 24, 1971, Hal married Mary Ashford Walmer, blending a family of Mary’s four daughters and his son. In 1990, Hal and Mary moved to Whidbey Island where they made their home. Hal has been involved in his community with his leadership in the Navy Corps MARS and the American Red Cross as Communications Coordinator and State Disaster Communications Coordinator. He was instrumental in implementing the disaster communication system for Island County. He was also a civil aviator and holds various amateur radio licenses.

Hal is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary; their four daughters, June (Ron) Lund, Susan (Robert) Hay, Margaret Walmer and Cass Nevada; son Harold L.; two brothers, Robert and Charles; five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Family and friends will celebrate Hal’s life at the family home. Family and friends may sign an online registry and leave notes and memories at www.burleyfuneral

chapel.com.