Hastings Shade

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010

Loretta and family, Hastings was a great man, very spiritual who lived to protect the culture and language of the Cherokee people. He was fearless in standing up for the right. May God comfort you in these dark days; we know that he is with you and your children and that Hastings is looking down from heaven.

You taught me well and I will continue and carry on the Cherokee culture and language.

Wa-do

U-Tsi-Lv

In 1998 I met Hasting for the first time at his church. After church we spent hours talking about Cherokee history, culture. I only met the man one time and he left an impression that i will never forget. He would talk to you as if you had known him for a long time. Never will i forget that meeting. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.

Loretta, I found out today that Hastings has passed on. I want to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May GOD hold you close and comfort you and your family.

Hastings, when you get Up There, say hello to Mr. Eli NoFire -- he will be waiting for you to sing 'Amazing Grace' with him again. I will be listening ...

Its been very difficult to put into words the thoughts that I feel. I find it extremely difficult to accept that your are gone. It is near unbearable to realize that you will no longer be there to go fishing and crawdad gigging with, to play and sing country and gospel music with and to talk and joke in our native Cherokee language during my trips to Oklahoma. Few people would know the pleasure of experiencing our following the practices of our parents and elders before us. I have always looked forward to those get togethers with mutual friends. Your's and my generation are among the last of speaking the Cherokee language as it was meant to be spoken as a first language the way our parents and elders taught us. Hastings, you were the epitome and defined what it was like to be a true Cherokee!! I will miss you terribly. God bless you, man!!

Jack Whitener
Olympia, Washington

My prayers go out to the entire Shade family the world has lost a great man but heaven is getting a very special person

I remember Hastings from when I was in grade school at Lost City. Even then, I knew he was a special person.

Hastings was such a nice man, I worked at the HACN with him. My thoughts are with the Shade Family. God bless

Loretta & Family,May the good Lord grant you peace,the peace that passeth all understanding, and comfort you in this time of sorrow.

My husband was at Hillcrest Hospital awaiting major heart surgery. His roommate in the hospital was Hastings' brother. Loretta, Hastings came to Dennis' side and gave him encouraging words and prayed for him, Dennis and I still talk about that day. I know his strength is giving your heart comfort.

Hastings, you will be missed greatly. So many times I wished we had more time to talk about our Grandpa. But I was always rushing. Goes to show we need to take time out for each other. Loretta and Family you are in my prayers. and know that I love you.

Vera Gourd Newman

Dear Loretta and family
May God bless and keep you during this time of sorrow. In the blink of an eye a transformation has taken place. A spirit is free from all pain and sorrow. If you must cry, cry in joy and may the love and support from friends and God comfort you and yours during this period of your life. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Always jokeing around, I will remember his smile. I'm sure he is enjoying the comforts of Heaven. He now gets to meet the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Wow! Can you image the smile he has on
today. "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward in Heaven."

I only met Hastings once through my then friend and now partner Lisa LaRue. Even before I met Hastings he had told Lisa that he knew I was coming out to America, something that Lisa Hadn't even told him..In short I found Hastings to be a deeply spiritual and wise man and I so very much enjoyed the only few hours I spent in his company when he showed Lisa & I around the Indian Village. I'll never forget him but I'll forever thank him. Thankyou David Mark Pearce

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I thought Hastings was such a nice gentleman, always had a smile on his face, and spoke not a mean word of anyone. He will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of sadness. He taught the Cherokee language to our Upward Bound Students at Connors a few years ago. We all learned a lot from him in general. He was always willing to teach and give of himself untirelessly. Our students enjoyed his class enormously and we were so grateful to him for sharing his knowlege with everyone. We will never forget him.

Linda Farley
Connors State College
Upward Bound Program

Our thought and Prayers are with the Shade Family in your time of grief.......Hastings was a wonderful person who inspired me to want do my best to teach the Cherokee Language.

I lived in Hulbert for a time and I was introduced to Hasty by my dad Scott Bread. He was always friendly and had good words to say when we would meet. His mother is my cousin. I had planned to visit with Hasty in time to talk of family info, now he is on his journey to meet our relatives at another place. There is only one Hastings Shade. There shall be no other like him. Duke.

it seems like i lost another Father for he has directed me the parh io should be on. and helped me in alot of different ways. and i will sure3ly miss him. my thoughts and prayers go out to thje family. love you all.

Hastings, I will miss your friendly and wise visits, just stopping in to say hello or to share a thought, a view, an idea, or a laugh. It was a pleasure, an honor and a blessing to have known you. Loretta and family, you know you can call on me if you should ever need anything....

Hastings was one of the best boss'es a person could have, he never expected his crew to do anything that he wasn't willing to do himself, working for him was a pleasure and and honor, He will not be easy to forget. My thoughts and prayers for Loretta and his sons.

Hastings Shade was one of finest and friendliest men I have ever known. I know that Heaven is a richer and brighter place because YOU have summoned him. My thoughts are now with the SHADE FAMILY. They are truly wonderful people!!!!!! Gene Ritch

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Hastings, as you make your final journey, we will cry because we can't see you but we will see you in the near future.