A memorial service in remembrance of Hal’s life will take place on February 27th, at 2pm at the Rady Shell Located in Embarcadero Marina Park South. The event is open to the public and all are welcome to join.
It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Hal Sadler. Hal passed on January 21, 2022 at the age of 91. Hal left his mark on many prominent and iconic San Diego structures, shaping the San Diego skyline. Hal Sadler co-founded Tucker Sadler Architects 65 years ago and served on the Tucker Sadler Architects Board of Directors up until his death, staying very involved in his passion for architectural design with the Tucker Sadler Architects team. Hal made a tremendous impact as an architect, designer, and philanthropist.
Harold G. Sadler, FAIA, age 91 years old, October 25, 1930 – January 21, 2022, passed away on Friday, January 21, 2022. Hal Sadler was surrounded by his family and looking out over the bay and the city he loved, San Diego, CA when he passed away.
Born and raised in Phoenix AZ, he graduated from ASU in 1951 and received his Master of Architecture degree from USC three years later. During those years he married his high school sweetheart Mary Beecher, who would remain his lifelong companion of 69 years.
Hal began his career in Los Angeles with Quincy Jones, FAIA and opened his own firm, Tucker, Sadler & Bennett in 1957 in San Diego, CA where the firm still resides 65 years later. Tucker, Sadler Architects remains the only originally owned architecture firm in San Diego to date.
Hal left his mark on the San Diego skyline, including projects such as the San Diego Convention Center, Union Bank, Bank of America, Civic Center parking structure, research facilities at UCSD, San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, along with numerous educational, medical, and hospital buildings in San Diego and the region. Hal Sadler’s architectural work displayed how sustainability and modern architecture can co-exist seamlessly and was embodied into all of his work. Hal loved weaving public art into the forms of architecture and working collaboratively with the artist.
He was particularly respected for his integrity and personal attention to clients and his vision of San Diego. He was a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award given by the American Institute of Architects California, as well as inducted to the AIA college of fellows in 1983.
Hal has served on the AIA Board of Directors, where he remained involved in the chapter throughout his lifetime, hosting the Lifetime Achievement Awards, and served as AIA San Diego President in 1966.
Beyond his achievements in architecture, Hal dedicated his time and talent to the growth and revitalization of downtown San Diego. He served in a number of professional capacities including: Center City Development Committee, the Children's Hospital Board of Directors, President of the Historical Society of San Diego, Chairman of The Park and Recreation board, and a member of Rotary. He was named Mr. San Diego in 2007.
During his years of designing iconic buildings and serving the community, he made many lifelong friends. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing around the world, and especially in his second homes of Idaho and Montana. Hal and Mary were fortunate to have traveled extensively with special friends.
They have two daughters, Lindi Sadler Slaughter and Cindi Sadler Whalen. They also have four grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation in Hal's memory to the San Diego History Museum or The San Diego Zoo. For more information on donations to the San Diego History Museum or The San Diego Zoo please email info@tuckersadler.com.
