Business owner, veteran, hiker

William D. Hoalst, a 42-year Claremont resident, died at home on May 24, 2012. He was 63.

Born on April 15, 1949 in Berkeley, Mr. Hoalst lived in California his entire life.

In the Vietnam War, he served in the US Navy. During this time, he began learning the trade that was to become his career. Strapped to the side of a ship, he hand-painted the vessel, an artistic talent that turned into his life’s vocation.

For 14 years, he owned Del Jones Sign Company in Montclair, often performing work for Claremont businesses and institutions, particularly Claremont McKenna College. Throughout his career, Mr. Hoalst enjoyed the thrill of hand-painting high in the sky, painting on objects such as water and cell site towers.

Mr. Hoalst’s interests included flying and backpacking in the local mountains and Idaho.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Hoalst of Claremont; his daughters, Renee Hoalst and Raegan Boulware and their mother, Anne Merryfield, all of Ontario; Brandon McCarthy, for whom he served as guardian; his sister, Renee Mould of Georgia; his brothers, Marshal Hoalst of Idaho and Stan Hoalst of Moreno Valley; his grandchildren, Mathew Boone, and Gage, MacKenzie, Seth and Shane Boulware; and many extended family members.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, June 11, 2012 at Oak Park Cemetery, Claremont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Loma Linda University Cancer Center. Or, the family suggests giving blood to honor Mr. Hoalst’s memory.

Ms. Hoalst wishes to extend her sincere and heartfelt thanks to Loma Linda for its excellent care and to friends and family for their prayers and support throughout Mr. Hoalst’s illness.