June 4, 1937 — March 17, 2023

Hal Dresner lost his courageous four-year battle against cancer on March 17. 

Born June 4, 1937, in New York City, Hal knew from age 9 that he wanted to be a writer, and he made that dream come true.  After graduating from the University of Florida, he returned to New York and began a writing career that soon took him to Hollywood, where he enjoyed 25 years as a successful screenwriter. 

Anyone interested in reading about Hal’s work can find plenty of information about it online. He was most proud of his novel “The Man Who Wrote Dirty Books” and his work as the final screenwriter on the movie “Cool Hand Luke.”

Hal left Hollywood for a different sort of life in Ashland, but he never stopped writing and he was working on a new project at the time of his passing. After moving to Ashland, he developed an interest in real estate investing and collaborated on numerous building projects in the Rogue Valley.

What is not mentioned online is Hal’s devotion to his daughter Amy and adopted daughter Grace, as well as his deep friendships and his commitment to service. In addition to volunteer activities with the SMART reading program and Food & Friends, Hal was active with Mediation Works and was instrumental in raising funds for the creation of a sanctuary for Havurah Shir Hadash synagogue. 

A brilliant light has gone out with the passing of the smart, witty, talented and loving person who was Hal Dresner. May his memory be a blessing.

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