Words By and About Don Hall
A Sampling of Tributes From Others
On his legacy at Hallmark:
“Don Hall was a visionary whose influence will forever be felt across the Hallmark enterprise. Whether it was producing award-winning Hallmark Hall of Fame programming, creating the Mahogany line of cards, acquiring Crayola, or driving business expansion into new markets around the world, Don was there every step of the way. He was a constant source of encouragement for all Hallmarkers: to think bigger, to always innovate, and to stay focused on the Hallmark mission of helping to bring people together and put more care into the world. We will miss Don so much, but we’ll always marvel at how he grew Hallmark into the company we are today.”
Mike Perry, President & CEO, Hallmark
“Don and his father, J.C. Hall, were visionaries to imagine what Crown Center could be back in the 1960s when they began working on their idea to accomplish something of this scale in downtown Kansas City. They designed it in a way that is both timeless and ever-changing, and we continue to watch it unfold to this day. Don saw Crown Center as a way to give back to the city and demonstrate the impact that urban redevelopment could have. It’s a testament to his vision that sixty years later, it remains a vibrant, busy place every day of the year.”
Stacey Paine, President, Crown Center
“The loss of Don Hall goes far beyond the business and civic imprint he left on the region. Anywhere you look, you’ll find a worthy institution that benefited from Don’s incredible vision, generosity and tireless efforts —whether the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or Children’s Mercy in Kansas City. He believed we could make a difference and that the Foundation should be engaged philanthropists helping to shape the civic and charitable landscape. We all stand humbled by how much he gave back to his community.”
Mayra Aguirre, President, Hall Family Foundation
On his love for Kansas City:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Donald Hall, Sr. His remarkable contributions to the Kansas City community – through philanthropy, leadership, & a commitment to progress – have left an indelible mark. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II
“As a leader of Kansas City’s most famous global brand, he grew Hallmark’s presence in households all over the world. Closer to home, he was a model corporate citizen, carrying out the construction of Crown Center at a time when major businesses were leaving Kansas City’s urban core. Today, Crown Center houses major corporate offices and welcomes millions of visitors each year.”
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas
“This is an enormous loss for both Kansas City and the Nelson-Atkins. Don Hall had a profound impact on this entire community and will be greatly missed. His committed leadership in the arts made a lasting difference in the lives of generations to come. He was an inspiration to all of us.”
Evelyn Craft Belger, Chair, The Nelson-Atkins Board of Trustees
“Don Hall has had an enormous influence on the Nelson-Atkins for many decades. From his involvement on our Board of Trustees to his generous gifts and steadfast stewardship, Don has left a lasting mark on the Nelson-Atkins. Because of his quest for the highest standards, the museum has become a treasure that is accessible to everyone. What an honor and a special treat it was to visit Don at his home and see the twinkle in his eye as he told me about the latest objects on which he was bidding. His passion for art only grew stronger through the years.”
Julián Zugazagoitia, CEO & Director, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
“As we mourn the passing of Donald Hall, we remember with deep appreciation the incredibly generous impact he and his beloved wife Adele had on the Kansas City community. Their commitment to Children’s Mercy was unparalleled, and they constantly dedicated themselves to excellence and active engagement in our mission.”
Children’s Mercy Hospital
“Like a lot of people in this town, I am grateful for people like Don Hall who selflessly look out for and lift those who need it. Don set a standard of generosity and passion that have helped make our hometown a special place. His influence will remain and elevate Kansas City for generations.”
John Sherman, Chairman & CEO, The Kansas City Royals
“Don Hall’s influence has been felt in virtually every major civic initiative undertaken in Kansas City from the 1960s to today. He loved this city and believed Hallmark’s success was inextricably linked to Kansas City’s success. His approach to civic and charitable endeavors was very reflective of his personal style: When he saw a need, he developed an organization to serve the need, gathered others around to help support it and then gave both his time and financial support, without drawing a lot of attention to himself.”
Bill Hall, now-retired president, Hall Family Foundation
“Ask him what’s important to him, and he’ll answer, in order: his family, his business, his city.”
Kansas City Star, December 16, 1974
From Don Hall’s Children
“Dad lived our beliefs and values his whole lifetime, and his ability to translate them in a way that others could understand will remain part of his lasting legacy. He truly believed that Hallmark’s purpose was to enrich people’s lives, and you continue to see that reflected in our brand and our people today.”
Donald J. Hall, Jr.
“No matter how busy dad was with Hallmark or civic responsibilities, we always knew family came first. We had family dinner every night at 6:30, and we all shared about our days or discussed current events—and differing opinions were welcomed and embraced! After dinner, Dad was available to help with homework, especially my math! Once we headed to bed, he would open his briefcase and work for as long as it took. Daddy was an impressive role model, that’s for sure.
Dad’s leadership of the Hall Family Foundation taught me so very much. He sincerely had the utmost respect for our community leaders with whom we worked. And in the board room, he always listened and valued the experiences and perspectives of both staff members and directors. Dad always sought consensus and built bridges.”
Margi Hall Pence
“Dad exemplified the values of integrity, honesty, and hard work, and he lived these values every day. He was also deeply committed to the Kansas City community. Whether it was with his civic support through the creation of the Kansas City Area Development Council and the Kansas City Minority Supplier Development Council, or through key non-profit organizations like the United Way of Greater Kansas City or the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Dad enjoyed and understood the importance and benefit of giving back to the community.”
David E. Hall
“With Dad’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, we have more ideas, make better decisions, and are more competitive. With his keen understanding of the need to nurture and protect the brand, we have wide consumer permission to grow in new ways. With his appreciation for creativity, innovation, and people, we are able to attract talented people to work with great dedication toward serving our consumers. And with his unwavering commitment to maintaining our beliefs and values, Hallmark is the kind of company it is today and will be in the future.”
Donald J. Hall, Jr.
From Don Hall
“Today’s children will be tomorrow’s workers and customers. They will be tomorrow’s ministers, teachers, business leaders and public officials. Thinking of them this way, we must ask ourselves whether we are doing enough to assure that every child is wanted and loved, has the benefit of good health care and a good education, feels safe at home, at school and in their neighborhood.”
–From a speech to the Kansas City Area Development Council, 1996
“Trying to make someone else feel better (is) a joy, and I think we should never lose sight of that in our business. Our products might change a great deal, the methods of delivery might change, certainly production and all manner of things will change over this next century. That’s a thing that will not change, the need for caring for other people will always be a constant.”
— From a video interview for Hallmark retailers, 2005
“I have learned that the arts and humanities can inspire, enlighten and elevate us. They can also challenge our emotions, our beliefs and the power of our imagination. But for me, one of their most valuable aspects is something very hard to convey in words. It is something about the sheer joy of listening to Charlie “Bird” Parker improvise jazz, or of seeing an architect’s vision become reality, or reading a great book.”
—From a speech to the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa, 1992
“I’ve said many times, I’ve never seen a greeting card sent in anger. It’s marvelous to be in a business where your sole efforts are directed at improving somebody’s feelings.”
–From an informal presentation to Hallmark employees, 2004
“I am grateful for my father, and later, my uncles Rollie and Bill, who started this company. I am grateful to my sisters Jimmie and Barbara, who grew up with me and have always provided great support. I am grateful for my wife Adele, who has not only put up with me, but who has set an example for others in regard to volunteering. And, I am, of course, grateful to my children — Don, Margi and Dave — who make me more proud than they will ever know.”
–From remarks at the employee celebration of Hallmark’s 100th anniversary, January 2010
“On the subject of Kansas City, I’m not at all objective. I love this city and I can’t think of a better place to live anywhere on the planet.”
—From a speech to the Kansas City Area Development Council, 1996
“I’m sure I’m always sweet, but I’m always sweeter when I can get that golf game in. You are usually playing with people you enjoy and at a very relaxed period of time, where you have something to substitute for all the worries of the day. You can take it all out on the golf ball.”
–Quoted in Sky Magazine, November 1988