Robert L. Hawkinson Obituary
1927 - 2015
Robert Leigh Hawkinson, 88, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on May 16,
2015, at home, surrounded by family. Bob was born on Feb. 11, 1927, in
New Prairie Township, Minn. Bob joined the Navy on Feb. 12, 1945, and
received his Honorable Discharged on July 22, 1946. He was a Carpenter's
Mate 3rd Class and a member of a Gunnery Crew. In July 2001, Bob was
awarded his high school diploma for "Service in the Armed Forces of a
Grateful United States of America During World War II." Bob married Gladys
Molander on May 10, 1947. They celebrated their 68th Wedding
Anniversary this year. Bob retired from Carpenters Local 1281 in 1981.
Bob never "retired" from the carpenter field as he helped his sons on many
building projects. In 1981, Bob and his boys purchased an old cabin in
Girdwood, Alaska, which they restored and Bob and Gladys made it their
home for 10 years. The family still enjoys their time at the cabin. Bob was
a charter member of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church and was the lead
builder on the construction of the church along with his boys. He also
worked on the educational wing of the church in later years. Bob was a
member of American Legion Ogmer Post in Minnesota and was active with
the Boy Scouts of America both in Minnesota and Alaska. He loved the
outdoors, fishing, reading history and western books and loved Charles
Russell and Fredrick Remington artists. Bob has been a member of the C.M.
Russell Museum since 1991. Bob was also a talented wood carver. He loved
carving Santa Clause figures, cardinals, Scandinavian horses and Vikings.
He sold many of his carvings at local bazaars with many repeat customers.
The family states, "Since Dad was a young boy, he always dreamed of going
to Alaska. In 1950, he drove the Alcan Highway with two friends to
Fairbanks, where he worked in a gold mine. He returned to Minnesota, but in
1968, Dad packed the family and brought them back to Alaska. We had
many adventures with Dad. Dad was proud of his military service and loved
wearing his Veteran of WWII ball cap. We would like to thank all of the
people who went out of their way to thank him for his service. This
kindness of strangers always made him happy. It is with this gesture that
he would want us to always thank all veterans for their service. Dad
enjoyed his coffee and his early morning coffee at the local coffee houses
with his sons. He loved to visit with everyone. We will miss Dad's kindness,
humor and his bright smile. We would like to express our thanks to
Providence Hospice, Pastor Barnhart and our family and friends who have
held the family in prayer during this time. The family is truly blessed and
thankful for the many memories Dad gave us." Bob is survived by his wife,
Gladys; sons, Jon (Vicky), Rob and Mike; two grandchildren, Teresa and Sean
(Amanda); and two great-grandchildren, Jade and Brody Hawkinson. A
memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2015, at Amazing
Grace Lutheran Church, 10955 Elmore Road. Pastor Adam Barnhart will
officiate.
Published in Alaska Dispatch News on May 20, 2015
1927 - 2015 (88 år)
