There are those times when we should consider giving something, like a working relationships, a little more time to develop.

I find that to be the case with both my occupation and in public service.

I found that to be my experience with Bruce Asay, a qualified and knowledgeable Wyoming attorney I’ve known for many years who lives in Cheyenne.  As I have learned, he is a wonderful family man, complete with military honors.

Years ago, maybe about three decades ago, when we were sorting out phone service in Star Valley and eliminating the need to call long distance between the Lower and Upper valleys I was covering the process through a series of stories for the Star Valley Independent.

There were numerous calls between the companies positioning for that service and at times the questions were pressing to ensure that Star Valley would not only have adequate service, but current, if not state-of-the-art telecommunications in the years to come.

One of my interviews led to a follow up call from attorney Bruce Asay. We had not formally met at that time. The conversation was terse and somewhat strained. I don’t think the experience was pleasant for either party.

As the years passed I continued to meet Mr. Asay on a variety of matters related to Legislative work at the state level.

Early on, I made a choice to not let our first working exchange determine our future working experiences because the matters we addressed were and are important to the state.

Over the years, that first constrained conversation was put in the past and we developed a good working relationship. I found him to be knowledgeable in many areas, both with individual discussions on government matters and in the committee settings where we take comment helping with our Legislative decisions.

Two weeks ago, I listened to Bruce speak in a pubic setting and thought it would be good to compliment him at the appropriate time for making a positive difference in the lives of those whom he addressed.

That time came within a day when walking through the Capitol Committee Room hallway, I found Bruce, put my arm around him while we walked, and offered a kind word and a compliment.

Are there times we can allow our working relationships to further develop and improve along the way?

Are there times when we shouldn’t hesitate to offer an encouraging word?

As I write this column, funeral services are being held in Cheyenne for Bruce Asay. A heart attack unexpectedly took him away from family and friends this past week.

I wanted to attend the services and offer my respects to his family, but had a previous commitment to address students in Cokeville.

As Bruce and I, temporarily part ways,  I’m pleased we developed that good working relationship over the years.

I’m even more happy about offering a kind word to this good man the last time I spoke to him on that walk through the Capitol.