Garden City Mourns Passing of Former Mayor Harold Hecken, Jr.

Harold Hecken, Jr. was never one to sit back and watch things happen — instead, he made things happen, especially in his beloved Village of Garden City.

A committed volunteer, avid sports fan, seasoned tennis player and a regular fixture at various Garden City meetings, Mr. Hecken was passionate about village affairs and was readily willing to lend a hand.

He served as a village trustee from April 6, 1992 until April 5, 1999 and later as mayor from April 5, 1999 until April 2, 2001. Mr. Hecken was active in the Eastern Property Owners' Association (EPOA), serving on the board as an officer, director and president and again as a director until his passing Monday.

Many who knew him said Garden City lost a good man and friend.

"Hal was a true icon of Garden City," village trustee Dennis Donnelly said. "I met Hal when I started as a board member with the EPOA. Hal encouraged my participation in village affairs and his insight and dedication helped me move on to president of the POA and later to village trustee.

"This village has been the epitome of volunteerism and Hal was the poster boy of how concerned citizens can work together for the good of our neighbors. Garden City lost a great man this week. He will always be remembered as my friend."

Walter McKenna, immediate past president and current director of the EPOA, had the opportunity to serve with Mr. Hecken and speak with him monthly at EPOA and village board meetings.

"His input at those meetings was extremely helpful and valued by the EPOA board," McKenna said. "And until recently Hal continued to receive and respond to EPOA board e-mails on various subjects. His knowledge of issues was amazing and his dedication the same!"

McKenna said Mr. Hecken was an asset to the community and a wealth of knowledge on many current and past issues. "Many times during the past two years while dealing with his major health issues, Hal continued to be involved and keep up on issues as best he could," he said.

McKenna recalls two particular moments that speak to Mr. Hecken's "drive and dedication during what seemed like trying times for him."

Mr. Hecken became ill when the EPOA was spearheading an effort for the East related to the proposed Lighthouse project, McKenna said. At the time, Mr. Hecken was head of the EPOA committee to "monitor development outside the village."

When McKenna was to present an update on the issue to the village board and ask for its support of the EPOA's efforts, he asked the entire EPOA board to attend the meeting.

"Having known full well that Hal was sick and that he had not been able to attend recent EPOA director meetings or county meetings due to his illness, I was completely shocked when I entered the board room at village hall and there to greet me and compliment me on my efforts was Hal," McKenna recalled. "[He] told me he had just come out of the hospital at 4 p.m. that day and felt it important to be with his fellow EPOA directors to support our efforts."

Village administrator Robert Schoelle said it was a "pleasure and honor" working with Mr. Hecken during his years on the village board.

"Harold Hecken was truly a gentleman and a dedicated public servant who took his stewardship roles as mayor and trustee of his beloved Garden City very seriously," Schoelle said, adding that one of his legacies is the Franklin Avenue business district and streetscape.

The Franklin Avenue Beautification Project was constructed during Mayor Hecken's term and received national recognition from the American City & County magazine, who presented the board of trustees with the America's Crown Communities Award for 2000, Schoelle said.

"The Village of Garden City is a better place because Harold Hecken was here and shared so freely of himself, his time and talent for his community," he said. "We thank his family for having shared him with us. He will be missed."

Come back at 1 p.m. for the second part of our tribute to Harold Hecken, Jr.