Memorial on Saturday to celebrate the life of popular Petaluma snake handler

A Petaluma snake handler well known for his Hands on Snakes program, Douglas Stewart Hall educated and entertained many children and adults over the years with his assortment of slithery critters.

Hall was recently found deceased in Shollenberger Park. He was 62.

Hall’s Hands on Snakes program was geared toward the natural history of local species of reptiles. He took his program to schools, parties and public venues all over the Bay Area.

“I remember the first time I met him at my store,” said Melanie Dado-Stammler, who formerly owned Starstruck Boutique on Kentucky Street. “I was working late as usual and he was passing by and stopped to chat. He asked me ‘Do you want to up your game?’ He said he recalled my mannequin models in the windows and said they would look really good draped and swagged in snakes. I had a phobia of snakes and he single handedly eased my fear of snakes. So our journey began and we ended up working together ever since for almost 10 years. We collaborated as recently as this last February when he was assisting me with a fashion show held in Santa Rosa and again brought his snakes for the models. Everyone loved him, his business and his cool snakes. He had a way with them.”

A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at Zodiacs, 256 Petaluma Blvd. North. Family and friends are invited to attend and bring pictures of Hall and any memorabilia to share. For more information on the memorial, visit facebook.com/events/1551571658406957