TAPS is the bugle call for the fallen warrior. It owes its origin to an innovative tactic from the Union Army during the Civil War, designed to honor the deceased within the confines of the battlefield, where the traditional 21-gun salute is impractical. While there are no official words to TAPS, the “unofficial “lyrics are very moving indeed. I thought about them, when I heard the sad news on Monday the 16th of August.
“Day is done, gone is the Sun.
All is well, safely rest...God is nigh.
Thanks, and praise, for all our days.
‘Neath the sun, neath the stars. Neath the sky.
As we go, this we know. God is nigh.“
It started out as a nervous whisper in the Middletown section of Alton. Lots of activity on Liberty Street at the Haine house. Cars coming, people going, followed by the appearance of the Parish priest. The news so long dreaded but nevertheless unfortunately anticipated, appeared now to be true. My neighbor, colleague and friend of 40 years, Bill Haine had finally succumbed to his long battle with cancer.
The public profile of Senator William R. Haine is and has been so very well documented and known. In various capacities, he served his fellow man for over 55 years, in Vietnam, in Alton, Edwardsville and finally in Springfield. He was a warrior for Justice, for the common good, and for what the prophet Isiah termed that “on earth, God’s work must truly be our own.“
He was a man of History, of the Law and of Faith, each one devoutly studied and revered. Bill Haine was on a first name basis with several governors, senators, congressman and at least one president, but he remained always a humble family man, content to serve without glory or praise, interested in the deed being accomplished rather than the credit awarded.
But while my respect for the public man was unbounded, it is the memories of my longtime friend, sometime political ally and Alton neighbor that brings the smile of memories and the tears of loss. The toothy grin and hearty handshake, followed by the “Good morning, Counselor”- a greeting that I know he gave to all fellow members of the Bar, but still believed was just for me - are the kind of things I most remember and will miss the most. We shared an Irish history, respecting such traditions as Jameson whiskey at 5:00...and NEVER talking politics after Sunday Mass until we had walked OUT of the Church.
Our lives were intertwined with common experiences, both partnering for time with Randy Bono, our children and their times together at Marquette High school, a shared passion for history, past tales of Alton in particular. Bill was a virtual repository of knowledge on a host of subjects, some relevant and still germane, others not so much.
I remember an article that he wrote about Alton resident Lyman Trumbull, U S Senator and author of the 13 Amendment to the Constitution outlawing slavery. It was good enough to win distinction of publication in the Illinois State Bar Journal in 1978, a time when we were both young and eager lawyers. We grew old separately, but the bonds of friendship formed long ago, while strained over politics one time, never wavered. I was always truly proud to call him my friend. I know he lies at peace, in the arms of the angels.
At 77, it can be said Bill Haine died too soon. As I turn 70, I would heartedly agree. While short, his life was not cheated of memorable events, especially at the end. He lived long enough to see 77 birthdays, his 50th wedding anniversary and to see his oldest son elected to the job he once held as State’s Attorney. Not a bad trifecta.
I shall miss seeing him on his walks with Anna through the neighborhood, the certain wave, occasional conversation. His reverence as a lector at St Mary’s, introducing the “Holy sacrifice of the Mass,” no more strongly than the one remembering our murdered nephew, Illinois State Trooper Nicholas Hopkins. He made the event a special one, a gift from his family to ours.
I admired, even envied his unshakeable Catholic faith. No moral ambiguities here, only the rock of a true belief, one formed as an altar boy at the old St. Patrick’s, the kind that stays the course of a lifetime. It was the backbone of a life of service, of raising the wonderful family that has brought honor to Bill and Anna, and a time on earth that truly will be said by God.
“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Rest in Peace, my friend. Be not afraid.