I think the late Haskell Simon would have appreciated the dedication of his Memorial at LCRA’s Matagorda Bay Nature Park last week.
The turnout was impressive, with so many of his friends attending in cold, windy conditions along the Colorado River where his memorial is located.
The first sentence in a well-written marker narrative is this: Haskell Simon devoted his life to community service.
That’s certainly how I will remember him and that’s how the dedication’s four speakers recalled his life’s works in Matagorda County and the reason to have such a splendid memorial for future visitors to this popular park to see.
The speakers were LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson, Gulf Coast Green Energy President and CEO Loy Sneary, former County Commissioner George Deshotels and County Judge Nate McDonald.
Their words all struck the different themes, but similar messages about Haskell, whose life spanned from Aug. 29, 1932, to Aug. 26, 2020.
“Always a gentleman, he was a friend and an ardent spokesman for all that is good for the river and its beneficiaries,” the memorial reads.
Deshotels provided a light-hearted remembrance of Haskell that was a well-received complement to the dedication.
The memorial calls attention to Haskell’s devotion “to supporting the region’s agriculture industry and water conservation policies that benefit the Colorado River.
“For more than three decades, he helped shape practices and policies that continue to protect the river and this region of Texas.”
The memorial notes that Haskell’s work also “impacted healthcare, law enforcement, education, City, County and State governments in ways that will be remembered for decades to come.”
Hats off to those who organized and contributed to the memorial that includes adjoining benches and shelter.
Well done, indeed.
The event concluded with a fried fish lunch in the Park’s Red Fish Hall.
Like I said at the start, I think Haskell would have been pleased.
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