I have tried for days to put pen to paper but I have been in a state of shock; I cannot comprehend Hal's not here.  Two days before his passing we met to chat at the perch, a coffee shop on 91st street, two friends discussing life.  That morning, Hal had received an upsetting phone call from a close friend.  We talked about life and how each day was to be cherished.  The next day he flew to Florida.  Two days later, Amy called as I was driving on the FDR Highway and said "Hal's Dead!",  I had to pull to the side of the road as tears poured.  

Hal was a rock, he was a rare individual who thought before he spoke. Totally dedicated to his family, hours on end, he would think to himself what's best for Amy, Jeff, Dan, my parents, friends, and for loyal devoted Eckman construction team members.  Honest, trustworthy, if Hal gave you his word it was done.  

Jeff and Dan, both creative and talented did not enter the traditional business world.  Hal who readily admitting the arts were not his area of expertise, nevertheless steadfastly stood behind, encouraging, and his sons passions.  He spent endless hours thinking how he could best support his life's partner Amy.  He possessed an uncanny ability to see the world through other's eyes.  He stood apart from anyone I have ever known because of his ability to clearly see issues and render sound judgment. 

Those who knew him are now left with an immense void.  He was my buddy.  Often times, whether it be New Hampshire, Florida or New York, several times a day the phone would ring and we would talk.  Hal coined the phrase, "Lyndadam" poking good natured fun that for the entire month of December I had the pressure of celebrating my wife's birthday.  Caring, kind, considerate, thoughtful, on December 13th a white orchid would appear at our apartment.  As a camp director, our families became intertwined while running for US Senator, Dan was already at camp when Jeff joined us at age 5.  Hal warned me and he was right, Jeff quickly earned the nickname of the boy with a thousand questions!

Hal was a man's man. Five hundred to a thousand rounds of golf, we would reach the 18th hole with the match even.  He hit a perfect drive 240 yards and then would say "the match isn't over till the final putt is in the hole".   Whenever I needed a sounding board on situations that were perplexing, he was the person whose judgment I sought.  Hal had an uncanny ability to listen and if he didn't have an immediate answer he'd say so.  A day later or two, the phone would ring and Hal would start "Been thinking about our recent talk, considering the following..." but never would be impose his will.  The only time we'd never speak is when his beloved NY Giants were playing!

I scribbled these notes still not believing that Hal's not here.  The shock of my "least likely friend to die" still can't be understood.  My wife Lynda said that Hal was the best looking of all of my friends, debonair, meticulously dressed even carrying his backpack to and from the golf course, careful about everything he ate, not a pound overweight, never could have I imagined that the phone will no longer ring.  On the golf course, Hal was victorious many more times than I but I was the winner because I was fortunate in life to have such an amazing friend.

Amy and family,
Judy and I are extending our very heartfelt condolenses in your loss of Hal.

Dear Mr and Mrs Eckman, Larry, Gerry, and to the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I flash back in time when we were chasing each other around Webster School yard at recess, or walking up Union St on a late Fall afternoon to hang out at your house after school.  Aways pleasant thougts and memories of the Eckman family. I'll forward this to my brother Michael, who will be as shocked and disturbed as I about Harold's suddendeath. Peace, and may God be with you.

Chris Morris Port Charlotte, Fl.

To Amy, Dan and Jeff:  Our thoughts and prayes have been with you since we learned of Hal's death.  May you find comfort and peace in your friends and family.

When I transferred to Central sophomore year from Newton, MA, there was a cute guy in my French class:  it was Harold, soon to become Hal.  I noticed Hal, because, frankly, he was the best thing I had seen all day.  Even better, he lived in my neighborhood.  Over high school's brief eternity we became solid friends in a community of friends and shared countless back-porch conversations on  Life and dreams. Harold pretty much fulfilled his dreams; he deserved to,  he worked bloody hard for them, harder than most. He fully bloomed only after college, but when it happened, it was magnificent.  Harold aspired to great success, and when it came - initially with IBM and later with his own company -it was fast and it was brilliant. I was and still am proud of him: I am so glad I knew him; my adolescence would not have been the same without him. He was a great bud, even if he did grow up to be a Republican.  I am appalled he died so young and want to admonish him for not taking better care of himself.  Later, maybe.  He will laugh. My love to his family, who he waited for and celebrated.

To friends and Family: I worked with Hal in the early days of Eckman Construction. Hal Eckman was one of a kind in the New Hampshire Construction Industry. He used a pure business approach and out strategized the more established General Contractors time and time again. The start up years at ECI were like breathing straight oxygen. I'm saddened I will never get to reminisce and thank him for being included as part of the team.

Amy, Daniel and Jeff...I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Hals passing.  Your family is forever in my heart, in my thoughts and a special part of my life.  I am so sorry for your loss. My love and prayers go out to you. May you find comfort in friends and family.

Dear Amy,
How very sad to read in the NYT about the recent passing of your husband, Hal. I remember how fond Clinton was of him and so many memories came flooding back. 
Don and I wish to express our sincere condolences to you and your family.We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  
Sincerely,
Phyllis (your cousin)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Ellie & Al Sweet

Gerry, Larry & family,

I am so sorry to hear of Hal's passing. Last saw him at our Central H.S. 40th year reunion - great guy! Please know I am thinking of you in this tragic loss.

My best,
Ralph Lockwood

I knew Hal from grammar and high school and was happy to see him again at a high school reunion a few years ago.  He was such a nice man and I am very sorry for your loss.

My deepest sympathy to the Eckman family (esp. Amy,Dan,&Jeff). I was shocked to read about Hal's passing. The pain of his loss will be replaced by the peace of knowing that he will be waiting for you when your time on Earth ends. Hal was truly a living example of a "mensch".

Sending our deepest condolences to all the Eckmans.  We received the sad news  about Hal from cousin Arlene.    All our love to you---  Rheta, Martha, and Gareth Esersky

I grew up with Harold (he wanted to be called Hal as he got older)....Walnut Hill Ave and Webster School. I just received a call from a friend who informed me of his death. I met you once, Amy, at a Central reunion.....to you, your children and the twins (one of them punched me in the stomach when we were little), my heartfelt sympathy...he was a great guy.
Jane Hatch Preston

My condolences to Amy and the whole family. I enjoyed knowing Hal during my time working with him at UNH. Truly too soon to pass on.

Dear Gerry and Larry,

Sorry to learn of your loss through Marc Onigman. Although I didn't know Harold very well, he was always a gentleman to me. May time heal your sadness and soon turn to lovimg and happy memories.

Sincerely,

Jack McLaughlin

The Eckman Family,
   We were saddened to hear about the loss of Hal.He was
one of my brother Richard Genest's closest friends.Dick
often spoke of Hal as defining the word integrity and a quality
person.He and Dick will surely be buddies in Heaven.

Chick and Charlotte (Genest) Bowers

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Harold Robert Eckman

17 juillet 1946 – 8 décembre 2011

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