Posted on 10/08/2005 9:37:55 AM PDT by Theodore R.
Paying their last respects Lying-in-state ceremony honors former Gov. Stan Hathaway
By Ilene Olson rep3@wyomingnews.com Published in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle
CHEYENNE - Clear notes from a trumpet rang serenely in the Capitol Rotunda on Friday where former Wyoming Gov. Stan Hathaway was lying in state.
The notes, which signaled the start of the lying-in-state ceremony honoring Hathaway, rose and echoed over the solemn gathering, adding to perceptions of history and loss marked by the occasion.
Hathaway, who served as governor of Wyoming from 1967-75, died on Tuesday.
A few people wiped silent tears as Thad and Chris Brown of Cheyenne opened the program by singing "The Star Spangled Banner" and later as John Barrett played "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" on the trumpet.
Gov. Dave Freudenthal addressed the audience.
"To say that Stanley K. Hathaway moved the course of Wyoming tells but half the story," he said.
Besides leaving his mark on Wyoming history, Hathaway left his imprint on the people of the state. That was his human legacy, Freudenthal said.
Freudenthal described Hathaway as a man of honesty and integrity who was compassionate and considerate. For many, he served as role model and mentor.
Freudenthal said a number of people have told him this week about experiences they had with Hathaway. One woman said, "Gov. Hathaway came out of his office and talked with me even though I was just a high school girl."
Similar stories were exchanged after the ceremony.
Bill Schilling of Casper said Hathaway was influential in his joining the Wyoming Business Alliance.
"He was progressive at a time when Wyoming needed that," Schilling said. "He had the courage and conviction to listen to his heart and what the hearts of others needed. He had time for everybody. That endeared him to people."
Chief Justice William Hill of the Wyoming Supreme Court said his father and Hathaway were friends. They both had flown B-17s in World War II and worked as young attorneys in small Wyoming towns.
Hill said he met Hathaway when Hill was a young attorney working for the Attorney General's Office in the 1970s.
"He became a hero, a man I admired tremendously," he said. "Not only was he a brilliant man and a wonderful lawyer, but he was a skilled politician.
"What you've heard about his love of the state and the people of the state is absolutely true."
Former Gov. Jim Geringer said Hathaway was the first person he went to when he decided to run for governor. Hathaway gave both support and advice that proved valuable, he said.
"Gov. Hathaway was such a solid believer in individual effort," Geringer said. He added that it would warm Hathaway's heart if he could know that others had followed in his footsteps.
Former first lady Sherri Geringer noted that Hathaway always was loyal to friends and never was bashful about offering an opinion.
Chris D'Amico, Hathaway's son-in-law, noted that Hathaway's first year in Wyoming was spent in a tent.
"He grew to be the most giving, caring guy in the world," he said. It didn't matter if you were Republican or Democrat, he would give.
"In my time of need, he always was there for me. He spanned generations. He was bigger than life."
Drake Hill, Wyoming Republican Party chairman, said, "He truly is the American miracle.
"The hardest times bring forward our greatest leaders. Where would Wyoming be had Gov. Stan Hathaway not been here?"
Freudenthal said Hathaway was the embodiment of a quote by Abraham Lincoln: "I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him."
During the closing prayer, retired Bishop Joseph Hart of Cheyenne recounted Hathaway's love for the people of the state and their love for him.
At the end of the prayer, he added a P.S., sending a suggestion heavenward: "If you ever need a moment of encouragement or advice, Stan's your man."
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