United Mission to Nepal sadly announces the passing of Dr Tom Hale, who served for many years in Nepal as a surgeon and a medical leader for almost two decades. We give thanks to God for Dr Hale’s remarkable life and for the many young medical professionals he inspired and mentored.

Together with his wife, Dr Cynthia Hale (paediatrician), they came to Nepal in 1970 and worked in Amp Pipal Hospital, Gorkha, for more than eight years as medical doctors. He later worked in Tansen Hospital for a few years until 1984 and then served at UMN headquarters until 1987.

Beyond his service in the medical field, Dr Hale was a gifted and respected author. Among his best-known works are Don’t Let the Goats Eat the Loquat Trees; On the Far Side of Liglig Mountain; and On Being a Missionary. These books recount the years he and his wife spent as medical missionaries and demonstrate the love they had for the Nepali people.

Our heartfelt condolences, gratitude and prayers are with his family and wife, Dr Cynthia Hale, who strongly stood with him and served alongside him. Together they gave so much to Nepal. His memorial service will be on 8 August, 1 pm Eastern time, USA.

Well done, good and faithful servant. 

Matthew 25:23