Photo By Don P. Hurley
Pierre Hollingsworth: A True Leader... Farewell My Friend...Rest In Peace.
By Don P. Hurley
Managing Editor
HarryHurley.com
June 3, 2007
I've written countless stories for my brothers web site. This is without question the hardest that I've ever attempted to write.
I called my brother, Harry's, Radio Program this morning to attempt to express my sentiments toward my late, great friend, The Legendary Pierre Hollingsworth.
I am not ashamed to say that I was completely broken up during most of the call, as my heart continues to be in my throat upon my every thought of this devastating loss.
The following were my remarks to the best of my memory:
It is still inconceivable to me that Pierre has left us, and until now, I could not bring myself to say farewell in any way to this wonderful person.
My friend and my partner in Crime Fighting, the legendary Pierre Hollingsworth left this world yesterday, and I still can not believe it.
I received a call yesterday morning from my dear friends Bobby & Iris Turner and I knew right away that something terrible had happened.
What can I say about this great man, this great leader, Pierre Hollingsworth?
Pierre was the greatest public servant and leader that I ever had the honor to work with. You see, you never worked for Pierre, you worked with him, and he worked with you.
This is the sign of a real leader, and Pierre Hollingsworth was a true leader in every sense of the meaning.
Pierre knew, naturally, how to lead others and how to receive their respect in the most humble way I've ever experienced.
One of the true gifts of Pierre was his real ability to keep in touch with so many people. And, there were so many of us who needed his time, which he always gave so freely.
When you spoke with Pierre, you always knew that you had his undivided attention. This is unlike so many other public figures, who always have an eye on the next thing, while they are speaking with you. Pierre always gave you his full thought and attention.
Pierre taught me so many things, that I can not even think of how to list all of them here.
Pierre was the fiercest, but yet most gentle, combatant in the public arena that I've ever seen.
There were so many times I would arrive at public events and causes with Pierre. And, when Pierre arrived, you could see the looks on the faces of whomever his adversaries might be at that time, knowing that they were IN for it for certain!
I can't recollect upon Pierre without thinking of his wonderful voice. Pierre's voice had the most amazing quality and tone with his extraordinary pipes, that commanded every ones attention. This would happen right away , before you even realized what he was about to say.
It is fitting that a great man, who had so many meaningful things to say, would have been gifted with such an amazing voice to communicate his thoughts and ideas.
Pierre lived a remarkably productive life. Pierre knew what it was like to serve in the greatest fighting force in the history of this world, our United States Military.
Pierre knew what it was like to fight for the freedom of the people of this country and for people around the world, only to return home and be refused service in his own country in a public restaurant, just for being a Black Man in America at that time.
Pierre knew discrimination in the most vile and personal way, while at the same time, he never practiced it toward others.
Instead, Pierre chose to fight discrimination in all of its forms!
Pierre refused to tolerate discrimination in any form, whether it was racial inequality,social injustice, or innocent people being retaliated against just for simply fighting for what they believed in.
Pierre would enter the fight for all people, with no benefit for himself in mind at all.
In fact, Pierre always acted with complete unselfishness, and at great personal risk to himself.
Pierre taught me to never let my adversaries anger me. He taught me to laugh at them, and most of all to have fun with everything that I was doing. I will never forget these important lessons.
Pierre was a legendary Fire Fighter, and leader, who paved the way for so many. Some who do not even realize the sacrifices that he made to better their lives...and so many who are fully aware that they would not even be who and what they are today...were it not for this great man...Pierre Hollingsworth.
I have not been able to bring myself to say a final farewell to my friend yet. I will never forget....I will always remember....and I promise that together...we will bring about the important change that this great man...Pierre Hollingsworth dedicated himself to accomplishing.
I said yesterday, that for Pierre to have left us at this time, that we must have all turned the corner together. We must be on the road to the fulfillment of his desires and his dreams, and that his long struggle could finally be over in this earthly world.
It seems to me that it was safe for Pierre to leave us now to finish the fight without him. He's left us ready and on a good course.
Pierre's duty is done, at least in this world. So rest well my friend.... you will always have my love and my respect.
To Pierre's son Teddy, who Pierre was so proud of...and to all of Pierre's beautiful family...I express my deepest condolences.
I can not imagine this world without Pierre in it.
So, now it is left for us to carry on without him.
I promise you that we will!
Thank you very much. I would ask that everyone please make certain that you stay aware of the service arrangements when they are made known for our great leader and friend...so that Pierre Hollingsworth can be laid to rest with all of the due friendship, love and respect that he has earned.
Respectfully, and In Sorrow,
Don P. Hurley