Hal Houle

SpiderWebComm

SpiderWebComm

HelpImBeingOppressed
Silver Member
**WARNING** This is long, sorry in advance.

This thread has nothing to do with CTE or any other aiming system. I've been trying to contact Hal over the past month or so with little success. He always used to sit on his phone -- waiting for the next stranger to call so he could bear-down and help someone from his bed. With the exception of Ron Vitello, I've never met someone who lives their lives to help total strangers and who takes a genuine interest in their improvement. Hal is without a doubt a rare breed.

Since mid-2007, I've driven to Walnutport, PA to visit with Hal nearly ten times. I remember the first time I met him - he wasn't what I was expecting. It took him a while to get out of bed, but he was so excited he had a visitor he took his time to setup a chair beside one of THE NICEST HOME POOL ROOMS I'VE EVER SEEN. There sat a Diamond pro that literally looked untouched from the moment it was installed.

We spent an hour or two together that first day and I still remember his lesson nearly word for word. Within 8 mins, he had me making balls I would typically never attempt to shoot - let alone spearing into the pocket. At the end of the lesson, I helped him back to his bed (which was tough because Hal is a BIG guy-- he's at least 6'4 or 6'5). Once he was settled, out came the Macbook and azbilliards.com--- always reading what's new in the pool world since he could no longer experience it first-hand.

After my second or third visit, I began to make the drive to visit Hal just to make sure his computer was working correctly, or to listen to road stories with he and Ralph Greenleaf, or... just to talk about tennis and how he thought Nadal would begin to over-take Federer. Even stories about Bobby Riggs and Billy Jean King. Sometimes, I made the drive because he couldn't get on azbilliards (which, mind you, when you're in bed 24/7 and you're a pool fan... it's REALLY important you can get on). I would drive the 2 hours just to get there and see his Firefox wasn't loaded and he didn't know how to get on (fixed lol).

My reason for writing this thread is because I had a really good run earlier today that felt pretty automatic. It made me sit down and reflect what the hell happened over the past two years that was different from the previous 15. The beginning of my improvement was Hal. When I look at a table, what I see is TOTALLY different from what I used to see. When I look at a shot, I don't see a shot - I see a process. Hal has without a doubt revolutionized the way I play. Not like I'm a "PLAYER" or anything - but I'm definitely an order of magnitude better than I was before I met him.

To fast forward to more recent times, Hal no longer posts on here because his health has been deteriorating. I've tried to call him a few times within the last 2 weeks and he hasn't been answering the phone. I tried to call him today just to read a few DCC articles and results to him --- just to make sure he was up-to-date with his 'action report' but unfortunately... no Hal.

I hope Hal is doing OK because I worry about the guy and no matter how many times I called him to say "thank you" ---- I don't think he ever really, really understood how much I meant it.

The last time I was in his house he told me to open his dresser (ughhhh... OK, Hal...) and alas... he had stacks and stacks of 8.5x11 paper with the names of people around the world he's given lessons to (front and back - all hand written). There must have been THOUSANDS of people. Heck, it looked like a 1000 pages.

It made me wonder.... exactly what impact did Hal have on people and pool in general? For me, as an example, whenever someone asks me about his system when I'm out and about, I tell them whatever they want to know for free (because Hal wouldn't have it any other way). I must've passed his knowledge forward countless times. How many out of those HUGE stacks of paper have done the same? How many people run out today because of Hal????

In conclusion, I'm sad I haven't been able to reach my bud - and I pray he's ok and healthy. I hope by chance if someone helps him get online they show him this thread so he knows how thankful I am -- and probably how thankful many of you are -- for his help and knowledge.

I hope this will make you share some positive stories about Hal - and I based on the tone of my post, I pray those who participate stay positive whether you agree with his knowledge or not. That's for another thread.

THANK YOU HAL - you definitely changed my pool life.

f_Houle3m_8d84bfa.jpg

I brought my brother up to see Hal one time for a quick lesson.

f_Houle2m_a6e6571.jpg

Hal, bearing down, trying to figure out someone's game in 5 minutes.
 
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Dave,

Great post.

I've spoken to Hal many times ove rthe years and he had a huge impact on the way I play the game too. He is patient and soft spoken, as well as a great teacher.

I clipped the pics you posted. I've never met Hal in person and wondered what he looked like. One day, sometime soon, I hope to be able to pay Hal a visit, to finally meet him.

Hal, if you're reading this, I owe you a huge thank you for your help, over the years. You have no idea how much I appreciate the time you spent with me.



Eric
 
Thanks for posting this. I haven't called Hal in quite a while, probably a year, at least. He's an amazing guy, no doubt about it. Hope he's ok.
 
SpiderWebComm said:
**WARNING** This is long, sorry in advance.

This thread has nothing to do with CTE or any other aiming system. [...]
Click to expand...

Wow -- It's like Carlos Casteneda's trips to visit Don Juan... Sounds like you had some great experiences.

So Dave, to sidetrack your thread just briefly, I will be flying into DC Sun Feb 22 getting in at 11:45 AM. I don't have a work commitment until 8:00 am the next morning.

Sooo, do you have any interest in driving to meet me somewhere in between, say Baltimore or Towson or something like that. I would be delighted if you would agree to teach me, at the table, the things you've been talking about here.

Also, I'd be happy to gamble some with you if you like. We could play a few different games, and you could even consider me as a stand-in for PJ

Let me know either here or in a pm. I could get up there about 2:00 pm.
 
i might be driving thru PA, if i knew where Hal is i could stop and meet him!!!! great post Spider!!!!! ZZ Brock
 
mikepage said:
Wow -- It's like Carlos Casteneda's trips to visit Don Juan... Sounds like you had some great experiences.

So Dave, to sidetrack your thread just briefly, I will be flying into DC Sun Feb 22 getting in at 11:45 AM. I don't have a work commitment until 8:00 am the next morning.

Sooo, do you have any interest in driving to meet me somewhere in between, say Baltimore or Towson or something like that. I would be delighted if you would agree to teach me, at the table, the things you've been talking about here.

Also, I'd be happy to gamble some with you if you like. We could play a few different games, and you could even consider me as a stand-in for PJ

Let me know either here or in a pm. I could get up there about 2:00 pm.
Click to expand...

I think if you really want a lesson, you should prob get it from either Stan Shuffett, Stevie Moore or even Ron Vitello. They're more likely to give you a lesson and play for something. You're too good for me.
 
Update:

Spoke to Hal tonight. He said he's ok and just quit answering his phone. He actually sounded in high spirits as well.

Made me really smile that he's OK. After 2 mins, he was back in pool mode asking who's playing well, etc, and who won the DCC. Was happy to fill him in :)
 
SpiderWebComm said:
Update:

Spoke to Hal tonight. He said he's ok and just quit answering his phone. He actually sounded in high spirits as well.

Made me really smile that he's OK. After 2 mins, he was back in pool mode asking who's playing well, etc, and who won the DCC. Was happy to fill him in :)
Click to expand...

That was a great "Thank You" and I have to add Hal's a lucky guy to have a friend like you.

Glad it all worked out.
 
I would like to add my thank you to Hal as well. The man has been generous beyond compare with his knowledge and history of the game.

I too pass it forward whenever I can and can honestly credit Hal Houle for making thousands of shots that I otherwise would have missed.

I wish that I had a video camera in my head so I could have replayed a few critical shots that came up two nights ago where I used what Hal taught me and the ball split the pocket and I got out of tough situations.

Thank you Dave for bringing this up and again THANK YOU Hal for being so giving with your time and knowledge.
 
I have never meet him but have read all that I could about his system and I could not tell you how much confidence I have in making a bank shot that is on the end rail. His system and others have made me a better player. Thank you Hal the man I feel that I know but will most likely never meet. I will keep you in my prayers.
 
Back befor I could post on here i was readding through one of the aiming system battle royals, and someone posted his number, I figured it was the wrong one but gave it a call just to see, to my supprise this man answered the phone calling himself Hal.. After about 45 min on the phone with this total stranger, I really wished he lived a bit closer, I really wanted to take him up on his offer of "all the oatmeal you can eat for free, just come on over and bring your friends" what a guy...

And to think people actully come on here and talk bad about him... Yea hes getting older but ya know what its going to happen to everybody, and in your later years you should be so lucky, as to have tried to help so many, for free none the less...

The ones we need to thrash are the ones Hal showed his systems to FOR FREE and now when you ask them a question about His systems they say "oh I cant tell you that its in the 3rd day of my class" "and by the way Hal can show you the system but I can tell you why it works, he cant"

I dont no much about it, and cant play it worth a damn, but one thing I can tell you for sure, Pocket billiards in America was way better off when men like Hal, Grady, SJD, Jack Madden, were playing it out of respect, admiration, and true love. And it will never be anything if those things are lost for good. You wont learn it in league, or from any damn cert. instructure, LONG LIVE THE POOL HALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take Care Hal...And save some oatmeal for me.......
Mowem Down
 
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Great post Dave. Wish I could rep you again. I enjoy talking to Hal. He has some great stories. I'm glad to hear he's still answering calls.
 
I spoke with Hal tonight. In fact, I'm talking with him right now and he sounds good. Health is about the same, the legs aren't doing too good but he still banks balls around. He still leans up against the table when he shoots because his legs are still not stable.

I just thought I would give you a heads-up. Hal paid great compliments to Ralf Souquet who he met at the Valley Forge Expo.

Hal can still talk a streak and still sounds like he is 50 years old. Hal was born in 1924.

He was asking me about Louisiana's rebuilding and joked quite a bit and invited me to move up there where there is no hurricanes or earthquakes. I told him I didn't want to shovel snow and he said he doesn't shovel snow and just looks out the window at the snow and waits for it to melt. LOL.

Hal said to tell everyone on AZ Billiards he is dead and under the ground. So don't bother calling him. He was joking as usual. :smile:

We talked for a little under an hour since I haven't talked to him in some time. I wanted to engage him in conversation and I can assure you he is in good spirits and enjoyed telling me some stories about his life and some of his past health issues.

Hal was telling me about him being a veteran and being in World War II and a ship that he was on was hit by a torpedo and many people died\but he was a good swimmer and jumped overboard and of course survived.. A train ran over him in Panama but he survived that. He couldn't hear the train coming and it hit him up side of his head. At the time the train crashed into him he was located inside of a coach sitting on the tracks. He was knocked unconscious and when he woke there was no sides left to the coach just some missing wheels from the destroyed coach. He went to the hospital and they put twelve aspirins in his mouth everyday but still didn't die. He finally got a lawyer from the states and he had dizzy spells for three or four years and they settled in court (the Navy) . The Navy wouldn't pay him a dime and he never received any compensation from the VA. He also told me about an examination that he had on his eyes where the doctors told him he had many pits in his eyes. Apparently the pits came from flying debris that he was around when he worked at a sawmill. \

Hal's mother was told that Hal would not survive as an infant. He had whooping cough as a child. A childhood friend and he was playing and his friend through a spear at him and it hit his belt buckle and that saved his life.

The stories may not be quite correct but I don't think Hal would mind me telling them even with me getting them out of sync. Hope you didn't mind, Hal. The AZBers might enjoy it.

Just a quick update for you guys. Hope you enjoyed it.
JoeyA
 
I was leary that I was going to read bad news when I opened the thread. I met Hal in So. Calif several years ago and really enjoyed the small amount of time I was able to spend with him. At the time I met him he was teaching, or at least taught me, a slightly different system than CTE. This could well have been because of my level of play. (not good) I have read that he has many different systems that he teaches. Believe me if I lived within hours of him he would end up kicking me out of his house as he would get so tired of seeing me. What a wealth of knowledge he has and is willing to openingly share. A real gentleman. Glad to end up reading that he is still telling stories. Hi Hal (if you are lurking) Charlie from earthquake country.
 
i called him once. i actually posted a thread for an aiming system and he told me to call him and posted his number. I called and he tried to talk me through his aiming system as i held the phone to my ear and attempted to pocket balls. he could hear if they fell or not so i had to put the phone down real quick, shoot , and pick it back up. I have no idea why it worked so if anyone knows of this system and can explain it to me id apprecialte it., (send me a pm)

He really seemed to want to help. thats almost impossible to find.
 
Hal is a delight! I was fortunate enough to spend some time with him last July, at his home. I'm looking forward to taking what he showed me, and having Stan work it up a little. Remember...the day you stop learning, is the day you stop learning!

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
 
Pii said:
That was a great "Thank You" and I have to add Hal's a lucky guy to have a friend like you.

Glad it all worked out.
Click to expand...

I can't resist a "ditto" here. I have know doubt Hal knows how much you appreciate him by the many kind and selfless things you have done for him. Good on you man!
 
Hal spent considerable time with me, on the phone, explaining his system(s) and I still use his work. He has given away his time which is his LIFE! Money don't mean squat. Giving away your time is something. That's big.
 
Me also! Hal took my game to several higher levels......thanks Hal....SPF=randyg
 
You know as you go through life you come to realize that if you can have just one person after you die say "He was a good old boy" you have lived your life well. Hal seems like a good old boy.
 
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