Harold Charles "Hal" Smith

Hal, i knew and loved you,one of the finest men I have ever met,you are still missed . Your friend Matt Buvinghausen.

Hal, tomorrow four years ago you left our midst so suddenly. Not a day goes by that we don't think about you and talk about you and how much we miss you and the times we had together. You are so in our hearts, but we have a large void that will never be filled until we meet you in Heaven. We love you.

I didn't know Hal personally but I have Torrance blood running through my veins. I am a relative and I am so sorry for your loss. I thought that one day I might meet all of you . May God's love help you through this time.

Hal, we love you and look forward to our reunion in Heaven.

I am Hal’s brother and I feel very fortunate to be able to claim that birthright. He and I had many adventures during his time with us. We were nearly inseparable for the first 19 years of his life. In my role as older brother I was duty bound to teach him the ropes, it wasn’t an easy task as he would constantly challenge me and my position. Therefore, we were constantly acting like brothers and I bested him in those brotherly contests for quite a while. But he was wily and persisted until the day came that he bested me, at which point I grew very wise and decided that discretion was the better part of valor and ceased my attack. That day I learned respect for his tenacity.

Both he and I were very hard workers and started mowing lawns in the summer and shoveling snow in the winter. Even though I was two years older than Hal he took great pride in making sure that he put in his share of the effort to complete the job. When we were older, about eight and ten as I recall, we started throwing papers for the Wichita Eagle and Beacon. We had three routes and he always keep up his share of the work. We were living on Volutsia Street at the time and during the summer we would sneak out at around 3 am at night and ride our bicycles to the Boulevard Bowl to play pinball and shoot pool, but when it came time to be on the route to deliver the papers he was always right there at my side. I related this story for two purposes. The first thing this story illustrates is that neither of us were perfect and could be quite sneaky at times. But more importantly, the story demonstrates that we worked to live and have the things in life that would make us happy. This trait would help define Hal’s life. His only mission in life was to be happy and make those around him happy.

We went from the paper route to helping my father in his construction business. I was not overly impressed with the construction business and the hard work that it required. I was never very good at the job but Hal, on the other hand, found his calling in life. He had a real talent in construction and was able to turn this talent into a very successful career. While many may find construction to be a lowly and semi-skilled trade, with Hal, it was an art, and he created masterpieces. He picked most of this up from our father, who was an artist in the trade himself. Hal and my father were master craftsmen. Everything they did approached perfection, and they paid the price for their unwavering pursuit of that perfection, and found it hard to run a profitable construction business because of their commitment to the trade. They would never accept good or even great as a measure of their skill. It had to be so much better, that only something exceptional was acceptable to them and they therefore found it hard to compete when good was just fine for their competition.

Hal and I had fun growing up. We had a loving mother and father to raise us, and I know that we both considered ourselves fortunate in this respect. Although our father would put in hard day’s work, he always had time to shows us a father’s love. He would coach us in little league baseball and take us on many hunting trips together. Our mother also worked hard outside the home but Hal and I never went anywhere hungry, dirty or in need of her love. Hal always found a way to show my mother and father his undying love for them. He would unselfishly give of his time and money to make sure that his tasks were done. During my father’s debilitating illness and after his death, Hal would make sure that our parents’ home was always well maintained. He asked for nothing in return as I believe that he felt that he was paying for a debt that he owed to our parents for the years of nurturing, and love that he received growing up. He was just as generous to me and anyone else that he believed was a part of his extended family. There were many times that he would either come to my rescue or just come to visit when I was separated from friends and family. He helped me get my home in Orlando ready to sell. He neither asked for nor expected anything in return. I believe that he felt it was his duty because of the love he had for his family. I fondly remember many visits from him when I was away from family and alone in a new place. Again, he never asked or expected anything but my love in return, no matter what it cost him. Because he always gave freely of himself, He was easy to love and respect. This is the one thing about him I miss the most, now that he has gone home to be with our Heavenly Father.

I fondly remember the many hunting trips that we took together. At times it would be Hal and me just walking the fields of Kansas. Other times he and I hunted with our dad. I remember one time in particular when Hal, dad and I went hunting. We had a Brittany spaniel we named Goldie. Goldie lived to hunt. We were hunting Pheasants in western Kansas and it was near the end of the day. We decided that we would hunt down a hedge row but the brush was too thick for us. So, we sent Goldie in to flush out the birds. When we got to the end of the hedge row we couldn’t find Goldie. We searched and searched for her for over an hour without success, and we were heartbroken. At that point there was nothing left to do but return to the truck. You can only imagine the joy and laughter that we three shared when we found Goldie in the front seat of the truck waiting for us to take her somewhere else to find more birds. It seems in respect to hunting; Goldie was smarter than the three of us. We also had many wonderful times in northern Oklahoma hunting with our Uncle Elmo and Cousin Tommy. We also had great hunting trips with our friend, John Glassburner, even at 60 miles per hour in the Kansas ice and snow. I know Hal always cherished those times and this also demonstrates the love he had for friends and family.

You could never think of Hal in ordinary terms because he was an extraordinary person. I don’t believe that he ever knew that he was exceptional, and if he did he never showed it. Now I don’t want anyone to think of him as a saint either because like all of us he had his share of faults, but I would bet that anyone that knew him well could not point to any of those faults with one exception. He was a teaser and if you were the brunt of his teasing, and you flinched, he could continue mercilessly. But when you knew him, and I mean really knew him, you would know the teasing was a defense mechanism so he wouldn’t have to admit just how much you meant to him. I was lucky because I figured out his ploy and could hold my own against his persistent teasing. I just chose to ignore his barbs and that seemed to defeat his purpose. If you wouldn’t let on that these attacks were affecting you he would quickly lose interest in the teasing and become a different person. He turned into the most loveable person that you could ever be around.

The teasing started from the moment you met Hal, and there won’t be many here today that don’t have a “Hal” story to tell. Most of those people will gladly relate their story to you as they have learned that these stories indicate not only his sense of humor, but they have discovered Hal to be one of the most unforgettable characters they ever would meet. My wife Freida will gladly tell you that the first time she met Hal he admonished her for interfering in his plans for me. If one were to believe the story they might think that Hal had been trying to set me up with one of the local Latino women he knew. Now, that was a total lie and everyone but Freida knew it. It only took Freida about a year to discover the secret. If you ask Freida you will also find that Hal told her that I was like a “Hound dog”, loyal and true. She will also tell you of the great comfort he provided few months ago as I lay in the hospital. He was true to everyone that he loved and was willing to give his all to fulfill that loyalty.

I will be eternally grateful for the last two years, one month, and 4 days that I had with Hal to renew my kinship. When my wife and I moved to Texas we were able to spend much more time with him. During that time we traveled to Houston many times, but more importantly, he came to visit us in Dallas. We spent a day with his wife Suzanne and Hal driving around Texas looking at the Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes. He and Suzanne, along with Larry and Jason Munoz came to Dallas to fix our deck and fence. He came to build Freida a headboard that she will always cherish forever. We will remember our trips to Bossier City, Durant, Kingston and Shreveport. We were last together in Shreveport to celebrate Suzanne’s birthday and I will cherish that memory forever. I will also cherish my last phone call to him on October 1, 2010 not for the content of the call but for the memory of it. We always ended with “I love you” from both of us to the other and I will carry that I love you to my grave knowing that it was both heartfelt and totally genuine.

There are many many things that will remain with those of us here today to celebrate Hal’s life. But there is one trait above all others that we will carry with us in his memory. The one thing that separated my brother from the rest of the world was the way he treated everyone. His feelings towards everyone who passed his way were never clouded. He never passed judgment on anyone a person’s status, color or beliefs never affected the way he would treat that person. He dealt honestly and fairly with everyone he met. He was just as kind to the homeless as he was to the wealthy. The color of your skin, your financial condition or your personal beliefs never entered into the way he would deal with you. To Hal, every person he met was a child of GOD and deserved the respect that comes with that birthright. When he looked at you for the first time he knew that you were endowed by your creator with certain inalienable rights and he would respect you because of those rights. He was always a living example of the Golden Rule and that is why we will forever miss him. I expect to see him again someday when he greets all of us gathered here at the Pearly Gates of Heaven to usher us into the home that he, my Dad and our Lord Jesus Christ prepared for us.

Our deepest sympathy to the family. He was a great friend and will be surely missed.

With all our love and compassion.
Jerry, Joyce & Josh Schauf

Pauline, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of closure. Hal was a wonderful person who I remember always had a smile and a laugh for everyone. JJ and I are there for you always.

Aunt Pauline and family, you all are in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to give you the comfort and peace you need at this time. Like others have stated Cousin Hal had an infectious smile and laughter. He was such a joy to be around. We will always cherish the time we had with him at the cousins reunion a few years ago. That was good times.
Love and Prayers,
Janis and Eugene Porter

Cousin Hal was definitely a "larger than life" character who possessed a jovial spirit, infectious smile and kind heart. He will be greatly missed. May love and comfort guide the family to acceptance and peace.

Hal your laugh was infectious, such a Gentle Giant for sure. Aunt Pauline and Family, you are loved and may God keep you in his hands. God Bless

I am sorry for your loss. Our tears will dry but the memory of this gentle man will remain with us always. Although it has been a long time, it only took a second looking at the picture to remember the warmth in his smile each time he greeted you. He will be missed by those he touched. Just remember there are no more tears in Heaven and such a deserving place for his contagous smile.

Love and prayers to all
Pete and Joetta Bauer

I have fond memories of Hal when he was a little boy, I loved it when he and Terry came to visit. I am sorry we sort of grew apart as we grew older, to late I wish we had kept in touch better, I know he was a fun, loving "Gentle Giant"! I love you Aunt Pauline and wish with all my heart you didn't have to go thru this.
Love and Prayers, Avis

When Houston was flooding our son Kenneth was stranded in the George Bush airport with no food and empty ATM's. After two days he was tired and hungry so desperate we called Hal. Somehow he got his truck through the flood waters and took Kenneth home with him, fed him, gave him a place to sleep and made him feel like family. We will never forget that. He was a great cousin and our hearts go out to all who loved and will miss him. Aunt Pauline, we love you and hurt for you and with you. Terry, you just couldn't have asked for a better brother. Our thoughts and love are with you and your family as well. When I saw Hal in Houston for the first time in many years he said to me "You look so OLD!" That was SO Hal. We will all miss him. God speed Hal, and may the angels all enjoy your wonderful laugh and great humor!

Hal was a special cousin, when we were together as a family he always had a good story that had everyone laughing.
GOD gives us time with some "really special" people in our short lives and I'm thankful I had time with Hal.
Hold him close in your hearts and he'll never be forgotten.
My love,

I never saw Hal when he wasn't smiling and happy and ready to help in any way you needed it. He will be missed by anyone who has known him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

To Suzanne, Pauline, Angela, and Family

I wish you peace in your time of sorrow. I also hope that remembering Hal's great sense of humor and straight forward truth can make you smile.

When I worked for Hal he once told me that "I've never met a left handed person that I like yet, but you are close." I think that was one of the nicest compliments that I have ever had. I respected him for his strong opinions on what is right and what is wrong as well as his ability to take care of people. We need more men like him in the world that you can count on to tell you what they really think and to do what they say they are going to do.

He will be sorely missed.

Bill & Kathy Wallace (In Wisconsin)

To Hal's family & All who are mourning his untimely death. We share in your sorrow. We loved him like a son. He was so many things, but above all, he was faithful and loyal. He will be sorely missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you now, and..in the days ahead. God and time will heal your pain to a point of acceptance. Jeremiah 33:3
In His love,
Bill & Berniece

We are so sorry to of Hal's Passing. We have enjoyed knowing him so much that we will miss him even though we didn't get to see him that much God bless and keep you.

Pauline and family, all love and prayers going out to you. What a wonderful man with a heart of gold.Hal will truly be missed! Love Dana(Driver) Bannister

Pauline, Angela, Terry and Suzanne,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I feel like he is smiling down on us all. With all of our sorrow and tears, it is comforting to know he is in a much better place. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you. I love you all, Karen

Pauline and Family: Losing a child is one of the most difficult losses one can suffer. All the words and tears in the world cannot bring Hal back but hopefully, in some small way, knowing your friends are here for you all and love you will bring some small measure of comfort. We are all here praying for you. Love to all, Beverly Leffingwell

If tears would bring you back to us, the river would have brought you in. We know you are in a better place, but we cry for ourselves. We miss you so very much.