Bill……..

I originally knew Bill as the Co-op guy,
then as Amy’s dad from volleyball days.
I started dating Bradley in senior high;
Bill welcomed me into the family right away

Remote in hand, rocking in the recliner
flipping between westerns and shows.
We played basketball and got bruises, just minor
I found out Hawkers are competitive – something everyone knows!

Our conversations would start out quiet and plain.
Then we’d ask, “How did the LCWM football game go?”
He’d give us highlights or funny stories about the chain gang
And tell us if Halsey or Beck was hot at the casino.

At first I didn’t understand his humor or ways
but I got used to it over the years, yea it took a few.
Then we would talk about school, work, old days
or he would ask about the blonde working at DQ.

I got my first exposure to tomato juice and beer from Senior.
And learned playing Pfeffer or Hold Em was an after meal ritual.
He even made a trophy for the poker winner at Christmas each year
I quickly realized where the boys got their ability to bluff or “bull”.

He treated us to family trips to Valleyfair and nights out bowling
Summers consisted of cowboy golf, grilling, or golfing with the guys.
We enjoyed sitting under the walnut trees, talking and laughing
And oh yea he made the best apple pies!

One year we formed a Hawker family softball team
He was our pitcher/coach and threw the famed “darkie”.
He was the guy to take on Twins KTOE bus trips it seemed
Because he often won prizes. Lots of good memories!

Bill was comical and got Grandma laughing at soup.
He enjoyed fishing trips with his brothers up north
Several have said he had the most spunk of the group!
He also enjoyed time with his 5 kids and 9 grandkids, of course.

The cancer was harsh, the road was long
We noticed Bill got feisty as it progressed
Remember, where is my gosh darn hotdog?
We can laugh now but it was hard to witness.

His stubbornness kept him fighting
we didn’t want to say goodbye.
He finally let go while family
embraced, prayed and cried.

Although he wanted to stay
the pain was much too hard to bear.
We can be assured he is at peace in heaven
I bet relaxing in a recliner chair!

by Ariane Hawker (daughter-in-law)