ROCKLAND - Stephen C. ‘Captain Jack’ Hale, 67, died at his home, surrounded by his family Sunday, May 5, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Stephen was born in Rueben near Wrexham, Wales on August 21, 1951; he was the son of Freda Jones.  While in Wales Steve lived with his mother, grandparents and aunties. 

In 1960, Stephen and his mother Freda moved to Dover, N.H. Freda, then married Maurice Hale, Steve’s adoptive father. 

Stephen was educated in the local elementary and Jr. high schools. He always told the story as this is where he learned very quickly to stand up for himself. His mom, not being from this country, sent him to school wearing his English school uniform. This consisted of wool shorts, white dress shirt, suspenders and a beanie, not to mention white knee high socks. He then graduated from Dover High School in 1969.

During his teen years Steve and his family vacationed in York, Maine. This is where he met his best friend/brother, Danny Gile. While vacationing in York, Steve also found his love of the ocean.

In 1970, Steve married Dellann Vachon. In November of 1972, they had a son, Joshua Hale. 

In 1982, Steve made his way to the Midcoast. It was then that he met his future wife, Melissa Maker. They were married in 1986 and continued to raise their family here.

Steve had interest in many things. He worked at Stinson Canning Co. and Port Clyde Foods. He was successful in sales, urchin diving, elver fishing and lobstering. He also owned and operated a few local businesses, however his love of being on the ocean won out, and he began ‘Captain Jack Lobster Boat Cruises’.  

Steve was a sports car and motorcycle enthusiast, he was a member of the 5th Chapter Motorcycle Club and spent countless hours volunteering for causes that were near and dear to his heart.

Steve loved the Rockland community and served on various committees, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and was proud spokesmen for the Rockland area.

His love of his family was great. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to help us out when we needed him.

Steve’s presence was immense and he will live on in our hearts always.

Predeceased by, his mother Freda Jones Hale, his father Maurice Hale; as well as his in-laws, George and Mabelle Maker, Steve is survived by his loving family: his son, Joshua Hale, of Rochester, N.H; his daughters, Kylie Wadsworth Neely and her husband, Eric, of Rockland and Mississippi; Amanda Hale Allen and her husband, Josh, of Rockland; his brother, Daniel Hale, Sr., and his wife, Elizabeth, of Marietta, Georgia; his sister, Charlene Werderman, of Eldorado Hills, California; his grandchildren, Joshua Hale, Tyler Hale, Jack Wadsworth, Noah Ames; the mother of his children and best friend, Melissa Maker, of Rockland; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lauri Runius and her husband Mark, of Warren; Beverly Fowles and her husband, Ernest, of Ft. Pierce, Florida; Patricia Dubay and her husband, Albert, of Sun City Center, Florida; Clifton Yattaw and his wife, Emma, of Port Clyde; his nieces and nephews, Benjamin Runius and his wife, Samantha, Meghan Runius and her companion Jarrod Bergeron; a great-niece Molly Runius, many other nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews; his grandson’s dog, ‘Bonez’ who has been Steve’s constant companion; and a large loving circle of friends, too numerous to name.  

A gathering of love and remembrance will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at the Landing's Restaurant in Rockland.  The Reverend Peter Jenks will begin the afternoon of stories, laughter and Steve's favorite foods at 1:30 p.m.  All are welcome to stay and remember a life well lived.  

To share a memory or condolence with Steve’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. 

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.