Hal Flanders
1915 - 2001
Tributes
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| © Brian Cassell 2001 |
Lea Terhune
I met Hal Flanders when he came to Vermont to walk 93 miles across the
state, talking with people about the injustice of Vermont shipping nuclear
waste to Sierra Blanca, TX. Young'uns in the group scurried around
organizing press interviews, and whisked Hal off to meet with editorial
boards of local newspapers. Faithfully Hal returned to the WALK, and he
walked and walked and walked! There were a lot of sore feet and blisters,
but Hal's feet were strong. People complained of aching backs from sleeping
on the ground and floors, but Hal's back was strong. Many were sunburned and
tired, but Hal had arrived with a desert tan and a good hat, and his energy
never dimmed. He talked a lot about Big Bend, a park near his home where he
had studied and taught others about the animals, plants and birds who live
there. We became so familiar with the majesty of west Texas that when a
state nuclear power commissioner said that sending nuclear waste to Sierra
Blanca was a good idea because THERE'S NOTHING THERE, Vermonters who had met
Hal were outraged! and embarrassed at such ignorance. Hal also talked often
of Mary, his life partner, his beloved. She had baked cookies and sent them
along, and they fueled many a weary mile! He talked of Fran and Jim Sage,
fellow environmentalists in Texas whose organizing skills strengthened the
campaign to turn away the nuclear waste. Hal had come to Vermont with Gary
Oliver and Susan Curry. They were a great team. Gary was an encyclopedia of
knowledge; Susan was bright, clever and outspoken; Hal, well he played the
"good ole boy" quite effectively and drew out points that may have gotten
lost otherwise, often with a story that left people with unforgettable
imagery (and grabbed headlines more than once!). They say a picture, or an
image, is worth a thousand words, and Hal was very skilled at this teaching
technique. It was delightful to watch Hal, Susan and Gary work together, and
when they left, there went a piece of my heart. God speed, Hal. To those he
leaves behind to finish the work, may we continue to draw hope and courage
and love from knowing Hal, and may we commune with his spirit in the wind,
the rain, the sun, the birds and the beauty of this earth he cherished his
entire life.
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