Gary Paul Hall

Gary "Coffi" Paul Hall, age 64, resident of Lakota, ND, died Saturday, December 4, 2010 at his home in Lakota, North Dakota. Gary was born on October 6, 1946, in Toronto, Canada, as the oldest of eight children born to Paul and Anne Hall, of Toronto.

Gary was a world-class musician. He was teaching percussion at Toronto Conservatory in 1968 when he joined forces with former Mynah Birds singer Jimmy Livingston, bass player Neil Merryweather, keyboard player Ed Roth and guitarist Dave Burt in forming the band "Heather Merryweather". Earning the nickname 'Coffi' due to the amount of coffee that he drank in rehearsals, Gary 's drumming prowess was integral to the band's heavy rock feel. Encouraged by their friend Bruce Palmer of Buffalo Springfield fame to relocate to L.A, the group repeated Palmer and Neil Young's road trip across the continent and, shortly after arriving in L.A., the group signed to Capitol Records under the band name "Merryweather". The quartet recorded two albums in 1969 to include the double superjam "Word of Mouth", which featured Steve Miller and Dave Mason as guests.

In October 1969, Gary hooked up with Rick James and former Buffalo Springfield road manager Chris Sarns; thereafter they formed the band "Salt and Pepper" which was a springboard for Rick James' rise to fame. While with the band, Gary appeared on Curt Newbury's "Half A Month of Maydays" LP. In 1970, Gary reunited with Merryweather, actress/singer Lynn Carey, Dave Burt and James Newton Howard in forming the band "Mama Lion". Mama Lion traveled the globe and recorded two self titled albums. Gary's 1972 percussion solo on the song "Miracles of Pure Device" has been credited as being within the top 100 drum solos in rock & roll history. After Mama Lion, Gary worked as a drummer for the singing artist "Melanie," which included a live performance at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in 1978. Gary relocated to North Dakota and attended post secondary education at Minot State University, where he obtained a degree in music education. In the years that followed his education, Gary taught music at the high school and collegiate level. At the time of his death, Gary was the music teacher with the Midway Public School system, as well as a vocalist/drummer for the local music group "The Good the Bad & the Ugly". Even in light of his prestigious history as a recording artist, Gary considered teaching children as his true calling in life and cherished his relationships with each of his students.

Gary volunteered his time and talents in support of community events. His true past time, however, was spending time with his son, Colin. Colin was more than a child to Gary, Colin was his inspiration and true best friend.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Anne (Ward) Hall; as well as his sister, Colleen Hall. Gary is survived by his son, Colin Hall (age 13) of Lakota, ND; brother, John Hall of Toronto; sister, Florence Giddings of Eden Mills, Ontario ; sister, Nancy Hall of Toronto; sister, Theresa Duclos of Brantford, Ontario; brother, Glenn Hall of Toronto; and brother, Darryl Hall of Toronto.

The Funeral Service for Gary will be held at the Lakota Lutheran Church , Lakota, ND, on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Sue Mackey. Special music will be provided by the Midway School Choir. The organist will be Karen Fowler. Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota, ND, on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and will continue at the church on Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.