WATKINS: He gave hope and encouragement

It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of Rev. Happy Watkins of Spokane who I often introduced as the Inland Northwest pastor and a very dear friend. 

He gave hope and encouragement to everyone who met him be it person to person or in a large gathering. He was a giant among people that made our region so much better as he helped people in need and was a healer showing such compassion with a powerful spirit. 

His legacy will live on in every person he met and the many ways he touched us all.   

I cherish every moment I was honored to be with him. 

He shared his recitation of the Dr. King “I Have a Dream” speech on many occasions at our Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene fifth grade students in January at our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Children’s Program in Coeur d’Alene.   

I know he is at peace and reunited with many of his family and joining Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as pastors of the message of justice and righteousness. 

TONY STEWART 

Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Board secretary