The forth son of Jospeh Elliott Thackeray Rees and Thelma Jaques Rees was born on March 1, 1950. They named this son Hal Royal Rees. Hal was one of six boys. Grandma Thelma told a story once of bring the boys home from Morgan when one of them lit a firecracker off in the car. She pulled the car right over and made them all walk the rest of the way home.
Growing up there were four boys in the little room which used to be Grandma's sewing room. Two sets of bunk beds were in there and the boy paired off..."Big Kids" (Paul and Roger) and "Little Kids" (Scott and Hal). Because they were termed as such, Scott and Hal formed a strong relationship, one that Uncle Scott says was the strongest of all of the boys.
There are many stories from dad's growing up that can be shared about chores on the ranch, hauling hay, and hunting. Dad always had a soft spot in his heart for the ranch and would spend many Saturdays up there helping Uncle Scott with the chores. The ranch holds memories for me as well...learning to drive the truck while feeding the cows, playing for hours in the barn, watering the fields at Doug's. Good memories from the ranch where dad grew up.
Dad was always a big sports person. I know I got my love of sports from him. He was very kind to others. He had a strong testimony of the gospel and was not afraid to share that with other people. Thank you dad, and mom, for planting the seeds of my testimony when I was young!
Dad loved to play the piano. He was a very talented piano player. We had an old player piano and he would put a roll into it an pump away. I remember thinking that he was the greatest piano player in the world...he could make such beautiful music and not even touch the keys with his hands. Two of his favorite songs were The Entertainer and Baby Elephant Walk.
I can’t believe that it has been 20 years since dad has been gone. There is not a lot that I remember about that time in life, all of the details surrounding dad’s illness and death, but there are some things that are still very clear in my mind, even after 20 years. I remember the day that dad died. I was sitting in Driver’s Ed. I heard the intercom at the school beep and somehow I knew it was for me. I was up and out of the class before they even finished the announcement. When I reached the office, Aunt Jill was there to get me. I remember asking her how dad was doing and she said that he was already gone. We then headed over to the elementary school and pulled Amanda out of class. When we arrived at home, there was a lot of family already there and plans were starting to be made for the funeral.
One of my fondest memories of the final days/weeks with my dad happened at State Basketball in 1990. There was a story written and printed in the New Era in 1991 that shared what happened on that day at State Basketball. Here is a link to the New Era for you to view that story if you would like to. That is a memory I have with my dad that I owe to a very dear friend and a memory that will always be a treasure in my heart!
LDS.org - New Era Article - A True Champion
I can't help but wonder what kind of relationship I would have with my dad if he were still here today. I see the relationship that my friends have with their fathers and wonder if mine would be much the same. I know that Grandpa Hal would love each one of his grandchildren very much and that he would spend time teaching them so many things! I am grateful for the time that I did get with my dad, even though I know I didn't appreciate it as much as I should have. He has left behind a great legacy, children who love and appreciate each other and who are doing their best to always remember Grandpa Hal.Happy Birthday Dad! I love you and miss you!
