Rev. Dr. Harold Morten Jensen

Rev. Dr. Harold (Hal) M. Jensen , 83, passed away Nov 20^th, 2021, while residing at his home in Westminster Shores at St. Petersburg, FL.

Hal is survived by his wife of 33 years, Joan Jensen and his sons: Gregory Jensen & H. Mark Jensen, step-daughters: Cindy Sugg, Joy Thompson, Jill Craig, step-son: Gregory Crosby, two grandsons, 12 step-grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren.

He was born in Jamaica Plain, MA on Oct 29^th, 1938. A first generation American, he was the youngest of three sons born of Norwegian Immigrants. His father gained citizenship through his service in the US Army and later worked as a Chauffeur for a prominent Boston family while his mother served as a housekeeper for the same family. They all lived and worked on the estate and one of the benefits offered was an opportunity to attend Boston Latin, Americas oldest public high school, graduating in 1956.

He specialized in the bassoon as a musical instrument, studying under the first bassoonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Though he had a full music scholarship to Northeastern University he would find inspiration in life that would lead him in another direction. Growing up near the ocean and often enjoying the views from Marblehead point he developed a sense of spirituality and a connection to God. He felt a unique call to the pastoral ministry through the evangelistic efforts of Billy Graham and his team, including Cliff Barrows, his life-long Crusade song leader. He matriculated in the nearest Christian college, Gordon College in Wenham, MA.

His first solo pastorate was in Jonesborough, TN, at the Jonesborough Presbyterian Church, where he served four years before entering the Air Force as a chaplain in 1968. After numerous distinguished assignments and earning a Doctorate degree of Ministry from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA, he attained the rank Colonel and was selected to serve in the Chief of Chaplains Office in Washington DC. He retired in 1994 after serving 26 years.

Following retirement from the Air Force, he continued to serve as Pastor to various Presbyterian Churches within the Florida Presbytery. He chose to retire from the ministry in 2002. However, on May 1, 2004, he saw a need to serve as Interim Minister at the First Presbyterian Church of Lynn Haven until February 28, 2006. This would be his final retirement. He served as an ordained minister for over 55 years.

Now fully retired, Hal and Joan selected a beautiful retirement community overlooking Tampa Bay, Westminster Shores at St. Petersburg, FL in 2008. Water once again was the place Hal was drawn to for a connection with God. This provided them with a community centered on their spiritual beliefs and an opportunity to continue to serve others. Hal served as President of the Service Club, Managing Editor of the Shorelines, Media Specialist for the Chapel, Guest Preacher, Seminar Leader, and as a member of the Wellness Committee and Dining Services Committee.  In 2011 Hal was awarded the Volunteer of the year award. He was elected to the Advisory Council in 2012 and served as Chair of the Environmental Committee the first year of his three-year term. He was elected Chair of the Residents’ Advisory Council from 2013-2014 and Chair of the Spiritual Life Committee from 2021 to the present. He and his wife, Joan, functioned as Co-Historians for Westminster Shores and were active at the First United Methodist Church of St. Petersburg.

Hal and Joan were often hosting family visitors and ensuring each visitor was well taken care of, and any special sightseeing venture was planned and available at a moment’s notice. They often found themselves traveling and visiting family to stay in touch especially when major family events occurred. As the family grew and a family member was ready for marriage Hal was always cherished as the family minister to officiate the ceremony. He was often the person who would arrange for special family events to bring his growing family together.

He was frequently found helping others with their computers, small electronics and car care or sale. He was constantly active in other various hobbies including music, computing, traveling and water-based activities such as Fishing and Kayaking.

A funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Nov 27^th at 3PM. A memorial service for the residents of Westminster Shores will be held on Nov 28^th at 2PM. A committal service will be with full military honors at Sarasota National on Dec 21^st at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, we respectfully request that donations be made to the Westminster Communities Foundation (WRCF) at Westminster Shores, c/o Philanthropy Director at 125 56th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Fl 33705.