Leigh Ellis Hawsey

I heard about Leigh late on Saturday and was shocked. He will be missed. I love you all.

I am very saddened to hear about the loss of a good man: Leigh Hawsey. The last time I was visiting the Port Arthur Ward (congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Leigh made it a point to come up to me and say with a half-grin, "Do you remember me?" I hadn't lived in the Golden Triangle since the mid-70s, so I wasn't really sure. "I'm Leigh Hawsey. Remember? Beaumont Stake Young Adults? We rode on a chartered bus together on a temple trip when you were heading out on your mission." I remembered. He was on the very last outing I had taken with the young adults. It was 1974, and after being a member of the Church for only three years I was leaving for a two year mission. The Beaumont Stake Young Adults were heading out on a trip to visit several temples in Utah. I had to be in the Missionary Home in Salt Lake City shortly after they would be arriving there, so, with permission of local leaders, I took a one-way trip. For Leigh Hawsey... and for many others, it was to be a memorable trip. The weather in Utah in April of 1974 was cold and our group from the Texas Gulf Coast marveled at the large snowflakes, and the way the snow muffles every sound. We attended the Ogden Utah Temple and the Salt Lake City Utah Temple, performing many sacred ordinances. It's a very powerful experience to see young people with whom you've laughed and danced and sang... standing now in the Celestial Room of the temple, dressed completely in white. Each speaking in reverent whispers and taking in the sight of a room which represents the Celestial Kingdom and the presence of Heavenly Father. The massive chrystal chandelier hanging above the center of the room winked colors of blue, and red, and purple. So, back in the present, I had to admit to Leigh that it had been a long time and I didn't recognize him. But, over the next several months Leigh and I exchanged E-mails, caught up on old times with the Young Adults, and found out who married whom so many years ago, and where they are now. Although, you may have know him much more closely than I did, I can't help but admire that fine fellow with a great smile and a great attitude. He was friendly... and williing to look you in the eye. The kind of person with whom you'd like to continue a friendship... in a heavenly place. The next time I see him, I will be able to answer in the affirmitive... to his question... "Do you remember me?" "Yes, Leigh...I remember you... and so do a lot of other people who respected you and thought of you as a good man... and a good friend." Although we are grieved at his loss, we are comforted at the mercy of the Great Plan of Happiness the Lord has provided. It's a plan that Leigh believed in very strongly. A part of that plan explains what happens when we leave this mortal life. Now, just as a reminder of what it is, go to this web address and when the page appears, look at the middle of the page and click on the "Watch a Video" icon: (be patient... let it load) http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,1144-1,00.html

May the memories you hold dear bring peace to each of you. Our prayers are with you-all at this sad time in your lives.