The legacy of Auslin Anselmo Hassel
Reflections from Stephen, Michael and Stephanie and eternal spirit of Scott
Auslin Anselmo Hassel, seated, is surrounded by his children. Pictured from left are Michael, Stephen, Auslin, Scott and Dr. Stephanie Hassel-McNeil. (Photo courtesy of the Hassel family)
By the Family of Auslin Hassel
The Hassel Family legacy is built on the pillars of respect, service, and a bridge from the past to the future.
From our earliest days, our father, Auslin Anselmo Hassel, instilled in us the vital importance of remembering from whence we came and understanding where we are going. A God-fearing man in the truest sense, he has lived his faith not merely in word, but through every action, sacrifice and quiet act of kindness extended to those around him.
Auslin Hassel poses for a picture with his daughter, Dr. Stephanie Hassel-McNeil. (Photo courtesy of the Hassel family)
His integrity has never wavered, his loyalty has never faltered, and his compassion has never run dry. His dedication to family and community, as well as military and medical service, has served as a beacon for all of us.
Beside him stood our mother, Gene, and together they showed us, by example, what it truly means to be equally yoked. Their union was a living testament to partnership grounded in faith, mutual respect, and shared purpose, a standard of love that has quietly shaped everything we have become.
One phrase, in particular, has stayed with us across the years. He would often remind us, “It’s nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice.”
Those were not hollow words but a standard he set and lived by. A standard that shaped the character of everyone fortunate enough to be in his orbit.
The river of our father’s legacy flows through unique and unchartered paths, shaping the course of his children and their spheres of influence.
Stephen’s military service led to a career that serves and benefits this great nation. If the role of “griot” passes from firstborn to firstborn, he has received the “cloak and staff.”
He carries and shares our cherished stories of generations past.
Sportsmanship, stewardship and the essence of “Agape” manifested through Scott and Michael in their roles as fathers, father figures and role models. Countless souls on baseball fields, hockey rinks, on work routes, restaurants or random roads have been blessed by their spirit of “Nice.”
Stephanie Lynn followed the path of healthcare from her father, who followed his beloved mother. The concept of caring for the “whole human,” focusing on a healthy body, peaceful mind and a full belly informs her daily practice.
The question is often asked, are leaders born or are they made? If a child is exposed to the virtues that contribute to the development of a leader, they will never know another path. We were blessed to be raised by a man who imbued in us the values of patience, courage, compassion, empathy, accountability, and a thirst for knowledge. We have observed that all these attributes are essential in the development of strong and reliable leaders. So, when the age-old question on the origin of leadership qualities is posed to us, we suggest that if presented with the appropriate toolset from your earliest memories, one knows no other path.
Wisdom is also a trait that is associated with successful leadership; however, wisdom is something that is acquired over the course of lived experiences.
Our father has been and continues to be a sage source of knowledge, as well as a constant and loving guide for us as we navigate our way through life. Through that guidance, we have all gained a modicum of his shared wisdom and grown into the role of servant leaders.
We are confident that our families, our professional colleagues, and even casual acquaintances benefit from the active and passive lessons that have been shared with us from our first moments of comprehension. Therefore, our answer to the question “are leaders born or made? We know no other way!
