When I was a teenager my Bishop in the Parley's 3rd Ward, Don Hale, was the owner of the Hires Big H restaurant chain. Bishop Hale passed away last Saturday at the age of 93. His classic burger, "The Big H" became so popular that Don Hale's death was noted in the Utah newspapers, all commenting on Bishop Hale's good business acumen and his tireless work ethic!
In a book Bishop Hale co-wrote with his son, Mark, "Opportunity Knocks Twice, Living More Successfully," they echo Henry Ford's classic quote that: "There are two kinds of people - those who think they can and those who think they cannot - and they are both right." Bishop Hale was definitely the kind who thought he could, ...and he did!
When customers would ask whether the "H" in Hires Big H stood for Hires, hamburgers, or Hale, Don would smile and simply answer with "let's just say it's one of those."
Even as a youth I could sense something special about Bishop Hale. His demeanor made a distinct impression on me. I remember his kindness and his encouragement about living a gospel centered life. When he served as our Parley's Ward Bishop I felt his sincerity in his devotion to the call.
An article in the Salt Lake Tribune mentioned that Bishop Hale's wife, Shirley, died back in 2004 and the paper quoted a great line Don Hale said of his wife: "I made the living, but Shirley made the living worthwhile." Gotta love any guy who feels that way about his spouse! Just a solid guy and a life well lived, fwiw!
