Hal Finney

Harold Thomas Finney II, better known as Hal Finney, passed away on August 28 at the age of 58. Hal was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in 2009. Despite his rapid disease progression, Hal continued to enjoy life until the very end.

Hal took pleasure in many different things. From early childhood he was interested in science and math, but throughout his life he also loved hiking, running, music, flying (he got a pilot’s license) and trying anything new. He was a loving and involved father, a caring brother and son, and a wonderful husband to his wife Fran of 35 years.

Hal attended college at Caltech, where he met Fran. He graduated in 1979 with a degree in engineering, and married Fran that same year. He and Fran moved with their two children, Jason and Erin, to Santa Barbara in 1991, where Hal enjoyed running with his dogs along the coastline and trails.

As a Software Engineer, Hal was instrumental in developing the cryptographic program PGP and other key software that help secure individual privacy online.

Hal is survived by his wife Fran, his son Jason, his daughter Erin, his brother Mike, and his sisters Kathy and Pat.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Santa Barbara or to the ALS Association Golden West Branch.