Special to ASSIST News Service
I always thought of Senator Hatfield more as a statesman than the average run-of-the mill politician. He looked beyond the present to what would be best for the nation now and in the future. He showed wisdom, skill and vision in caring for public issues, conducting state affairs and being engaged in the business of government.
John Stuart Mills, famous economist of England, wrote, "The worth of a state, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals composing it." Hatfield was one of those individuals who added worth and value to the state of Oregon and to the United States by the things he did to make life better for others and by his sterling character lived out as a public servant.
It was my privilege to meet this illustrious senator in meetings of broadcasters at conventions in the nation's capitol. We also met in Washington for the Presidential Prayer Breakfasts. Senator Hatfield gave active leadership to those events.
At one such meeting when Gerald Ford was the President of the United States, I sat at the table on the third row in front of the presidential podium. At the second row table, right in front of me were Senator Hatfield, House Speaker Carl Albert, Senator Robert C. Byrd and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. I talked with all four. Their wives also accompanied these distinguished leaders. Senator Hatfield's wife was his beloved and beautiful, Antoinette.
We also met in 1974 when he was the commencement speaker for Anderson University Anderson, Indiana, my alma mater. He received an honorary doctorate with Mort Crim of broadcasting fame. I saw and heard him in other meetings.
Hanging in my office area is an autographed picture, in full color, of this handsome government leader, which he personally inscribed with this treasured message of personal friendship. He wrote, "To friend and brother, Bill Ellis, with my deep and personal regards." I treasured our friendship.
Early on, we met one night at a White House Dinner. I said, "Good evening Senator Hatfield, I'm Bill . . ." and before I could complete my sentence he interrupted, "Bill, I know who you are." I was not sure if he really knew me, but with those words in The White House, our friendship was confirmed. He knew my name. That was important to me. We were friends.
That is a habit I have continued for many years, always saying, "I'm Bill Ellis and I am happy to see you again." I continue that practice until the person I want as a new friend, knows my name. It also saves an embarrassing moment of not knowing.
Have you ever had someone say, "I'm sure you remember me. We met 50 years ago when I was in the third grade." Honestly, you have no idea who they are.
I have paid close attention to Senator Hatfield, admired and respected him very much. We have had close mutual friends. There have been few like him then and now. He was a deeply committed Christian who followed the words of Scripture, "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment" (Mark 12:30).
Senator Mark Odom Hatfield educated at Willamette University and with a graduate degree from Stanford University, a modern day saint who walked his talk and loved God and mankind with all his heart. I am glad for the privilege of our friendship.
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| Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist, and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 2,000 newspaper and magazine columns, articles and contributions to books. He is also a widely known motivational speaker and pulpit guest who utilizes enjoyment of life and just plain fun and laughter while speaking to high school, university and professional sports teams as well as to business and professional groups of all kinds. His keen understanding of human problems makes him a favorite speaker for youth, parent, and senior adult meetings. He is accompanied by Kitty, his wife, favorite singer, editor and publisher. For information on becoming a subscriber to the Ellis Column for your newspaper or magazine, you may contact him at: BILL ELLIS, P.O.Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560 or by calling: 304-757-6089. |
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