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Longtime Tampa Tribune reporter and columnist Leland Hawes, 83, died May 18, 2013, in Tampa.
31 Entries
I first met Leland when he wrote a nice column about my book Fifty Feet in Paradise: The Booming of Florida, back in 1984. For many years we served together on the board of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society. It was always a treat to read his long, meaty, history columns in the paper: What a wonderful forum for him to share his extensive knowledge of Tampa and Florida. I am glad they were made available to such a wide and appreciative audience. Like his old friend Hampton Dunn, Leland lit up a room and made all of our lives better. Rest in Peace, old friend.
David Nolan
Friend
July 4, 2017
He enriched my life and all of those who knew him. The Tribune could not have selected a better man to preserve and share Tampa's history. He fought like a champ to preserve the Tribune "morgue" of clips and photos when a manager thought they should be discarded. I pray those now at the Trib realize what a treasure he saved - and make use of it. As did others at the Trib who were lucky to know him, I held him in the highest esteem, not only for his knowledge and wisdom, but also for his kind and gentle spirit.
Bob Fryer
June 18, 2013
My wife and I had the good fortune of enjoying Leland's company over lunch about a week before his unexpected death. While he was suffering from the physical failings associated with getting old, his mind was as bright and alert as ever. We had lost contact with each other since I left the Trib in 1969, but we had spent the past few years catching up on old times--with Leland remembering more stories about those glory days in the newsroom than I could ever recall.
As so many others have said, Leland was a true gentlemen. No matter how long it had been since you had seen him, he made you feel like a great friend.
Leland was a truly exceptional man, and we will miss him more than words can convey. John and Judith
John Gullett
June 6, 2013
Having met Mr. Hawes a few times through members of his family, I can honestly say he seemed like a kind and thoughtful person. Very unassuming, but always smiling and soft spoken. I know he will be missed by all of his friends, and family. Rest well Mr. Leland.
Kenny Lun
June 2, 2013
Leland was a class act, belittling no one, celebrating what was ennobling in everyone. A quiet man who thereby made us all just a little better.
May 22, 2013
Lee was a real friend. He will be missed. Jack Scott
May 22, 2013
Gentleman, newspaperman. That says it all about this special individual.
Jim Toner
May 22, 2013
I remember Lee coming in to Yeomans on Davis Island with his pal, Fred Liddle for lunch when we owned it back in the 90's. I always went over to their table where they would have some humerous tale to tell. Great bloke, great memories!
Peter Flynn
May 22, 2013
Leland was the ultimate gentleman and a great teacher by example.
Bob Ross
May 21, 2013
It was a privilege and and honor to have worked with Leland for nearly nine years. We reconnected a few years ago when he finally joined Facebook; even after a stroke and through a computer, his spirit shone through. Rest in peace, Leland, and know you will be missed.
Jamie Simon
May 21, 2013
A gentleman, a journalist, a Florida treasure. I will miss you my friend, and never forget you.
Larry Elliston
May 20, 2013
When "gentleman" is mentioned, you picture Leland. Truly a longtime friend and was always real. I enjoyed working with him at 1st Presbyterian. Loved the guy.
Mike Andrews
May 20, 2013
It was my great pleasure to work with Leland on the Personal Life Team, led by Penny Carnathan. Our team -- Penny, Michelle Bearden, Cloe Cabrera, Jennifer Barrs and Phil Morgan -- had many great times celebrating the holidays at Michelle's house.
Leland's knowledge of Tampa's history was legendary and he was always so gracious in providing assistance to anyone who needed help in understanding Tampa's past.
He was a true Southern gentleman and will be missed.
B.C. Manion
May 20, 2013
Leland was a big help to local writers researching historical data on book projects and newspaper articles. As a history writer, he was among the greatest Tampa has ever known. In my work with Leland he was always very helpful, and offered great suggestions to me and was very supportive of my work as an author. Tampa truly lost one of her best.
Author John Cinchett
May 20, 2013
On SUNDAY'S....I loved reading LELAND'S page in the Tampa Tribune about life in early Tampa...He was a great historian and storyteller..from the GOOD OLD DAYS...(sigh) (RIP) Just one of your many readers....Paul in Tampa
May 20, 2013
Leland was an anomaly in the newsroom: a highly-skilled, persistent, get-it-right, dig-out-the-truth reporter who was also the finest, most genteel man with whom I worked at any paper. I was privileged to labor with/for him and honored to count him as a friend. I will miss him.
Steve Hill
May 19, 2013
Leland was the most authentic, gracious and humble person I've ever known. He was a community treasure and the most universally loved member of the Tampa Tribune staff. It is an honor to have known and worked with him for many years. Judy Hill
May 19, 2013
A true gentleman, a man who loved Tampa, a man who loved history, a friend, a newspaper man - Leland was all that and more.
Walt Belcher
May 19, 2013
I cherish the memory of Leland... a truly gentle, wonderful soul. He led us always in the right direction. Miss him. Will remember him always.
Glenda Gilmore
May 19, 2013
Leland Hawes was generosity personified. It was a privilege to work with him and learn from him. I am better for having known him.
Rick Brunson
May 19, 2013
Leland, you and Tom McEwen are the 2 people I miss the most from the Tribune.
Gods speed.
Ron Dominguez
May 19, 2013
When we first met more than 70 years ago in a Latin class at Woodrow Wilson Jr. High, I found a good friend. He was a world class gentleman of good humor, intelligence and journalistic skill. We will miss the gatherings at his home and the Colonnade of old retired Tribune journalists. But today, he is still my friend.
Duane Bradford
May 19, 2013
While working at WFLA-TV many years ago I had the opportunity and pleasure of working with Leland. Those occasions, few as they were, are ones that I will always remember. He was a great reporter and a most wonderful man that I can say I had the pleasure of knowing. He will be greatly missed by all.
Roger Connell
May 19, 2013
Always a gentleman and all ways a gentle man.
Jim and Cynthia Head
May 19, 2013
LELAND MEANT A LOT TO US...IT HAS BEEN A LOT OF YEARS AND WE ARE SO HAPPY WE GOT TO SEE HIM RECENTLY. TAMPA WAS BLESSED...TOOKIE AND JOHNNY
May 19, 2013
THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR FRIEND. TAMPA COULD'T HAVE DONE WITHOUT YOU. IT IS WONDERFUL TO KNOW WE HAD VISITED WITH YOU RECENTLY...EVEN THO WE GO BACK FOREVER....TOOKIE AND JOHNNY
May 19, 2013
Leland always greeted you by name & with a smile.I always enjoyed seeing him at the Colonnade with his sister. He will be greatly missed.
Sandi Hampton
May 19, 2013
I can't remember a time in my life that I didn't know and love this man. I can't remember a time in our lives when he was angry, unkind, unhelpful or unprofessional. He was a man you always remembered, and who always remembered you. It will seem so unreal that he is no longer among us. Perhaps he's not.
Tony Zappone
May 19, 2013
Leland always had a kind word and a smile. His good will was democratic and unflagging. What a great human being. I'm sorry he's gone.
Bill Prescott
May 19, 2013
I have known Leland 'forever' even when we were Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers at the Universlity of Florida. I have always held him in the highest esteem.
Ed Bryan
May 18, 2013
I am a better person for having known you, Leland. That's 30 my friend
May 18, 2013
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