| We
are deeply saddened by the passing of our
dear friend - and mentor - Ben W. Hale,
Jr. We cannot escape the past, none
of us can, nor do we at Smith & Hale
LLC seek to. Our foundation and structure
were built by Harrison W. "Bill"
Smith and Ben together, and it is by their
principles that we were all taught, as their
law clerks, associates, and partners.
We
are committed, through hard work, relationship
building, and perseverance, to continue
today and forever this legacy and tradition
of excellence in service to our clients,
and trustworthiness to all. At Smith &
Hale our word is truly our bond.
Ben
Hale was the embodiment of everything
a lawyer - and a man - can be. Striving
to his example makes us each better. Ben
never forgot his West Virginia roots;
loved and respected his parents; was a
devoted husband, father, and grandfather;
maintained many close friendships that
started in elementary school - maybe because
he repeated third grade; and across decades
of public service, and a very public practice
of law, earned the reputation of integrity,
wisdom, and practical problem solving.
Ben
is missed, by us and so, so many others.
We
recognize the blessing in having learned
and practiced beside such great men.
|
