Because I was in the class of '63 and had no classes with Hal, I didn't have the privilege of knowing him on a personal level. But after Alan and I married and moved away, he (Alan) often said that if we ever had a son, he wanted him to grow up to be a man just like Hal. Alan would say that Hal was a gentleman on and off the field and that, even as a young man, honor and integrity was his mantra. I realize we lost Hal many years ago but I didn't want to keep this tribute to myself, unspoken. And really, I think we should say things like that to each other while we still have life and breath. There's a quote, "Don't go to your grave with the music still in your heart". Instead of sending roses to the funeral, share words of friendship and love while there's still time. I'm sure Hal would agree!
Hal was a great guy and a very good football player. Many of us called him BJ and I will let you guys try and figure that out. He was tough on that football field and never backed down from any one. He probably was the most liked guy on our football team. I don't know what his dreams were, but he could have been anything his heart so disired. RIP Hal, you are missed.
Jeanne Lease ('63) (Hays)
Because I was in the class of '63 and had no classes with Hal, I didn't have the privilege of knowing him on a personal level. But after Alan and I married and moved away, he (Alan) often said that if we ever had a son, he wanted him to grow up to be a man just like Hal. Alan would say that Hal was a gentleman on and off the field and that, even as a young man, honor and integrity was his mantra. I realize we lost Hal many years ago but I didn't want to keep this tribute to myself, unspoken. And really, I think we should say things like that to each other while we still have life and breath. There's a quote, "Don't go to your grave with the music still in your heart". Instead of sending roses to the funeral, share words of friendship and love while there's still time. I'm sure Hal would agree!
Ron Cothern
Hal was a great guy and a very good football player. Many of us called him BJ and I will let you guys try and figure that out. He was tough on that football field and never backed down from any one. He probably was the most liked guy on our football team. I don't know what his dreams were, but he could have been anything his heart so disired. RIP Hal, you are missed.