Harland W. Warner

I’ve known Hal for more than 20 years through the Public Relations Society of America. He was a generous mentor, a highly-respected professional and a wonderful friend. His leadership at both the local and national levels of the PR field was marked by stunning vision, remarkable wisdom and an unfailing dedication to what is right, just and fair. Hal was always the first person we would turn to when we needed a leader with impeccable ethics, and he was known far and wide for his dedication to shaping the public relations profession through transparency, ethical behavior, and the highest standards of excellence. Throughout his entire career, he was known as a master of crisis communications, and dozens of companies and organizations benefited from his incredible knowledge, excellent counsel and sure planning. Hal received just about every honor that can be bestowed upon a PR professional, including being elected as national PRSA president in 1993, receiving the Gold Anvil Award in 1996 (the highest individual honor awarded by the Society), and being a charter member of both the PRSA College of Fellows and the National Capital PR Hall of Fame. He shaped the careers of dozens of young professionals who worked for him at Manning Selvage and Lee or with him through the Society’s activities, and he influenced hundreds – perhaps thousands – of others who benefited from his leadership, his sharing of ideals and his generous heart. Hal leaves a lasting legacy in his beautiful and close-knit family, and I hope they receive some measure of solace in knowing how many other lives he touched and how many of us are so much better off for having the privilege of calling him our friend.

I was an assistant to Hal at MS&L when he was national PRSA president. I remember reading all the wonderful nomination letters he received including one from Ed Bernays. He was well respected not simply because of his talents, but he was also a good-hearted and nice man with a wealth of integrity. I am also fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with his daughter Karen at a different PR agency. I’d bet that Hal is pleased that his legacy of excellence in PR continues on through Karen who created and leads A&E Communications. Hal cared about people and worked to make the world a better place. Given all his contributions, I think he succeeded. Many prayers and thoughts for his family.

When I began my public relations career in Washington in the early 1980s, Hal was one of the first people to say hello, help me network, plug me into projects, and just spend time with me. We stayed in touch over the years and I was fortunate to work with him many times, including most recently the PRSA Hall of Fame. He was such a great friend, mentor, and just plain fun to be with at events. His career was legendary as was his heart, caring and wonderful disposition. I am a much better person for having had the chance to know him, and I will miss him a lot. Kindest personal regards, Henry

Hal was an extraordinary role model for all of us in the field of public relations — he was a man of enormous talent and enormous integrity. I was privileged to get to know him in the late 1980s, and he was a true friend and mentor to me, and to so many others. When I first considered running for the PRSA Board, and later for higher office, it was Hal I turned to for advice and counsel. He was a pioneer in strategic planning for PRSA and in expanding the organization’s global outreach. His accomplishments were so many, but, above all, he was a gentleman, a devoted husband to Joyce, and a proud and devoted father to his children. I so admired and respected Hal, and I will cherish his memory. My sincerest condolences to Joyce and his family.

Dear Joyce, I was saddened to hear of Hal’s death. I am sorry to be overseas right now and unable to express my feelings in person and attend his funeral, but please know that his family will be in my prayers as I know how much he will be missed by you and your family. He will also be missed by the profession we both shared. He was an extraordinary and gifted professional and will leave a huge void in the public relations field. May God bless you and help you through this difficult time. Mary

Joyce and family, What a shock to learn about Hal’s death – a wonderful man has left us but remains in spirit. He influenced so many in the PR world and shared many lessons. As one whom he mentored from my college graduation until his retirement, I valued his advice and counsel beyond all others. Our Corning connection was especially meaningful. My parents will be devastated by the news. My prayers are with you all, Eileen Edwards Denne

Our thoughts are prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We offer our deepest sympathies and love.

To all my father’s friends, As my family is going through an extremely difficult time, the words that you have expressed here have really helped us to see how much he was loved and the importance of celebrating his life. I am the youngest of his five children and am very proud to say that I followed in his footsteps to a career in PR. Like many of you, he was my mentor. His passion for his job led me into PR, but it was his caring, honest, compassionate personality that has taught me the importance of being a good person. I know that Dad is at peace now and is looking down on all of us to guide us in taking the right paths in our own lives. Dad, I hope that Chris and I are blessed with what you and Mom had in your marriage and that we are able to raise Alison and Emily with the love and patience you had when raising your children. I love you and will miss you. You are truly the Wind Beneath My Wings. Love Always, Karen

Dad, Our family has been together for the last few days sharing a thousand different memories of the goods times we have had together. I remember the simple times the best. How I would love to get our baseball gloves out again and have another game of catch in the backyard, sit around the campfire and just talk or have another one of those great beach vacations. Thank you for all the support and love you have given me over the my 52 years. You will be sorely missed. We will see you on the other side. With love forever. Brian

Dear Joyce and Family, We were so saddened to hear of Hal’s passing. And we are very sorry we weren’t able to make it up for the visitation today. May you remember all the good times and know how much he impacted so many people. He always had the sweetest smile, as if he knew something no one else did. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Carol & Joe

Hal was an active member of PRSA. I enjoyed working with him on Hall of Fame events. He was a superior public relations professional and warm person. He will be missed. My condolences to his family. Regards, Tracy

After shedding a few tears reading the beautiful things said about my father, I sat here wondering what I could add. His leadership in the Public Relations profession has been well recognized. My brothers, sisters and wife have all described what a wonderful father he has been over more than fifty years. I want to take a minute to write about what a wonderful example my parents demonstrated of a loving marriage and partnership over almost fifty-five years. There were times where Dad had to carry more than his share of the load and likewise there have been times where my Mom had to carry the load. As my father’s health failed him over the last few years, my mother showed a total commitment to his care right to the very end. The love for each other they had is a shining example that I wish to follow throughout my marriage. I believe the strength and commitment they demonstrated has been the guiding light for my marriage to Angela and those of my brothers and sisters. As a couple, Mom and Dad were there for us through the good times and bad. They taught us to be independent while at the same time being there for us if we needed a little extra support. Many of the lessons I learned from them I am now passing on to my own children. When we adopted our children, Liliya and Victor, from Russia, they were there to help and support us every step of the way and I will be forever thankful. Dad, I will miss you but the the lessons I’ve learned from watching you and Mom as a couple will continue to guide me forever.

Hal was a wonderful mentor, gentleman, and friend. I will always remember his professionalism, integrity, and service ethic and the impact he had on my life and others’ in the Washington, DC public relations community.