‘GRP’ Hall as he was usually known, was born in the Armidale district of NSW, his father being a grazier and member of a pioneer family. Educated at The King’s School, Parramatta he graduated from Sydney University in 1895 and lived to be the oldest alumnus of both institutions. For many years he was a general practitioner in Manly, at the time a remote suburb, in association with Dr Thomas. For a time they had Alan Holmes à Court as a junior. It was a big practice and extended as far north as Barrenjoey. GRP could tell stories of being called at night to go by horse and buggy to attend the lighthouse keeper’s wife. Later in life he left Manly and established a practice in Macquarie Street. A large following of devoted patients assured his success.

In 1914 he was appointed as honorary assistant physician to St Vincent’s Hospital, where later he was appointed to the senior staff until retirement in 1937. He was also on the staff of the Renwick Hospital for Infants from 1917 till 1940. He was regarded with great affection by all members of the medical and nursing staff. He was always simple and approachable with a nice sense of humour and appreciation of the drolleries of his work. In the care of patients he would work without respect for time or money, refusing to be hurried in late hours at outpatients by the appeals of sisters or calls from his wife. Not an experienced academic teacher, his example and counsel had their influence on generations of students. He read medical literature widely and critically even after retirement.

He married Grace Dalrymple and had two sons and one daughter. His eldest son Bruce inherited his father’s unquestioning devotion to his profession but unfortunately not his longevity. As he grew older he gradually relinquished work, but was still pursued by old patients. His wife died and in quite advanced years he married again an old and devoted patient Mrs Nina Budd. This was a happy arrangement and they retired to her farm at Ebenezer where his forefathers had once lived. His old age was serene until his death at the age of ninety-five.