Dr. Bernard Hawley
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Dr. Bernard Russell “Bernie” Hawley, pastor emeritus of First Presbyterian Church of Salina, died quietly in his sleep on July 19, 2010 at the Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Bernard was born November 22, 1926 in Ludlow, Massachusetts to Dr. Charles A. Hawley and Barbara Dickinson Kimball Hawley. At a young age, he moved with his family to Iowa City, Iowa, attending the “experimental school” at the University of Iowa. The family eventually moved to Atchison, Kansas, where he graduated from Atchison High School.
He attended the University of Kansas as a Summerfield Scholar before enlisting in the Navy during World War II. During two years in the Navy, he served as a crewman on a seaplane tender. After completing his service, Dr. Hawley attended Hamilton College in New York, before returning to Kansas and graduating from Ottawa University in 1949. It was at Ottawa University, he met the love of his life, Lois Jeanne Dick, who became his wife in 1950.
After graduating from Ottawa University, he began a career in radio broadcasting as part-owner and on-air talent at KOFO in Ottawa, and on KFDI in Wichita. In 1954, he found his true calling in life was to minister to others and in 1955 he entered McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. During his second year at the seminary, he accepted a position working with a church in Clinton, Indiana, while continuing his studies. He graduated from McCormick in 1958 at the top of his class and was awarded a fellowship for further study. He declined the fellowship to raise his family and accepted the role of assistant pastor at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, Maryland. In 1959, he was named pastor of the church, a position he held for six years before returning to Kansas to be near family.
Dr. Hawley was called to be pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Salina in 1965. Over the course of 22 years with the church, he was instrumental in bringing the Presbyterian Manor to Salina, an accomplishment he remained proud of throughout his life. He attended ecumenical conferences in Italy, Spain, Hungary and Switzerland and upon returning shared his knowledge with the congregation and community. To enhance the spiritual health of the congregation, he led church members on tours of the Holy Land and to see the Passion Play in Germany. An active member of the community, he was a member and president of the Rotary Club. He served on the Board of Directors for McCormick Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America. While serving at First Presbyterian Church, he was honored with a doctorate from Sterling University. Dr. Hawley retired from the First Presbyterian Church in 1987 and became an interim pastor serving congregations at San Marino Community Church and Palm Desert Community Church in California. In 1991 he and his wife retired to Surprise, Arizona.
Dr. Hawley helped America mourn the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger crew in 1986. He was asked to officiate at the national memorial service for the seven fallen astronauts held at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. In 2003, NASA once again called on him, asking him to lead a memorial service for Robert Gilruth, considered the “father of America’s human space flight program.” In June 1986, Senator Bob Dole of Kansas asked him to offer the opening prayer for the first televised Senate hearings. He had the joy of leading the wedding services that united his four children with their spouses.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Jeanne Dick, and their four children, of whom he was immensely proud: Dr. Steven A. Hawley of Lawrence, KS (Eileen), Dr. Diane K. Hawley of Eugene, OR (Bernard), Dr. John F. Hawley of Earlysville, VA (Kathryn), and the Reverend James R. Hawley of North Platte, NE (Amy); and two grandchildren, Jamie Lynn Hawley and Aaron Hawley. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Charles D. Hawley and a sister Mary B. Hawley.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 5, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church of Salina. The family suggests memorials to the First Presbyterian Church of Salina, 308 S. 8th Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.
We are so sad to hear the news about Uncle Bernie and send our warm condolences to Aunt Jeanne and the entire family.
Uncle Bernie was always full of wit and spirit. He always had something clever to say. I’m sure you all will miss him terribly.
Our love to all of you,
Margaret, Glenn, Elliot and Pia
Sympathy and prayers to the family of Dr. Bernard Hawley.
I am saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear of Dr. Hawleys passing. All of my thoughts and prayers go out to my favorite piano teacher, Mrs. Hawley, and her family.
So sorry to hear of Dr. Hawleys passing. All of my thoughts and prayers go out to my favorite piano teacher, Mrs. Hawley, and her family.
Steve and Eileen–I am sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad sounds like a wonderful man with a very full life. My prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
Dear Hawley Family,
Our hearts ache for the loss of this dear and wonderful man with the brilliant mind and the quick and delightful sense of humor. Our daughter Diane was his first baby to baptize at First Presby. And his excellent sermons stay with us. I spoke to him about them at various times.
The obiturary told us more than we ever knew about Bernie and gave us an even greater appreciation, for him and the many lives he touched, than we already had. We grieve with you as we say goodbye but know that his spirit lives on in his children and grandchildren as well as all the many who were influenced by his wisdom. God bless and much love.
Mary Gay and Les Wenger
p.s. Daughter Diane adds: “I so much enjoyed reading about Bernie’s past and am very impressed with the marks he made in his life. His obit reads like someone with lots of stars and stripes on his shoulder!”
Big hugs from Dillinghams, Wengers and Heinauers!
Dear Jeanne, sorry to hear about Bernie. You and Bernie are very much missed at Sun Village. We will let everyone know. We will be thinking of you.
Jim and Amy Jo, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.P.S Jamie, Anna said her prayers are with you.
Dear Dr. Steebie and Mrs. Steebie (Eileen): We were so sorry to learn of Rev. Bernie’s death. What a wonderful life he and Mrs. Hawley lived together! And, no wonder Steve was always so outstanding in his NASA career–it runs in the family! Steve often spoke about his dad, always with affection. We hope the memories you all made together will fill the sadness that you will surely feel. God bless you all.
Bernie represented the very best among Presbyterian Clergy. He knew where the hert of the Gospel was and he was faithful in pointing us all to it. I was proud to have counted him as a friend. Wilbur De Young
I am sorry to hear about Mr. Hawley. I have only known the family for a short time but you dedication too him during his illness was inspiring. Thanks for the opportunity to allow me to serve you.
Michele
Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging
Jeanne-You are in our prayers. We are thankful for your loving and long marriage and your wonderful children. Berney was a great guy. May he dwell in the house of the Lord.
Love–Esther and Don
Dear Hawley Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Bernie’s passing. I know these last few years were difficult for all of you as he struggled with his illness. I am confident that he has taken his rightful place in Heaven where he will enjoy discussing the Good Book that he loved with the authors. It was my pleasure to have met Bernie and to have heard many wonderful stories from Steve and Eileen about what a great dad he was.I know you will miss him everyday, but I pray that your wonderful memories will sustain you at this difficult time and in the future.
We are so sorry for your loss. It has been such a pleasure to know Uncle Bernie and to have gotten to learn more about the Hawleys and Kimballs through his many stories. Uncle Bernie was truly a good man and he will be missed!
Dear Jeanne and Family,
Fred and I were saddened to read about Bernie’s passing.
We are sorry we were unaware that you lived in Lawrence and did not meet you anywhere there. We have fond memories of our wedding he officiated on May 23,1969. We can still hear him preaching and Norm Hackler at the organ.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Steve & Eileen, I was so sorry to learn of your Dad’s death. He obviously had such a wonderful Christian influence on so many including all of his very accomplished and successful children. An amazing legacy! May you find comfort in reflecting on his loving example. Dana Puddy
Steve & Eileen:
Very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. We would like to extend our condolences to you during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you and your family. It was always enjoyable to visit with your Dad years ago during his visits to Houston.
Jane & Dan
Steve and Eileen,
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Please know our thoughts are with you both.
Steve, Eileen, and Hawley Family, our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy on the loss of Dr Hawley. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Steve, Eileen, and Hawley Family, our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy on the loss of Dr Hawley. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Steve,
Sorry for your loss. Mary Gay Wenger forwarded your fathers obituary. Sound like you were lucky to have an amazing father. Hope all else is well with you and your family. If we buzz through Lawrence, we’ll look you up.
Sincerely,
Ron Wenger
We’re deeply saddened by the death of Uncle Bernie, truly one of the good men of this world, and with a wit to equal his humanity. I regret not having spent more time with him, especially in recent years, and following the death of my father. Dad spoke so often and so warmly about both Uncle Bernie and Aunt Mary. I take some solace in knowing that the three are now reunited. We miss them all.
Aunt Jeanne, our love, thoughts and prayers are with you, Steve, Diane, John and Jim.
We’re deeply saddened by the death of Uncle Bernie, truly one of the good men of this world, and with a wit to equal his humanity. I regret not having spent more time with him, especially in recent years, and following the death of my father. Dad spoke so often and so warmly about both Uncle Bernie and Aunt Mary. I take some solace in knowing that the three are now reunited. We miss them all.
Aunt Jeanne, our love, thoughts and prayers are with you, Steve, Diane, John and Jim.
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
I will always remember my Uncle Bernie fondly. Love to Aunt Jeanne and my cousins at this difficult time.
We send condolences on the passing of Rev. Hawley. We remember him as pastor of First Presbyterian church here in Salina for many years.
We are so saddened to hear of Bernie’s passing. He was a wonderful pastor to have at San Marino Church. We all missed both of you when you left San Marino.
Steve and Eileen and the Hawley family,
Our sympathy and condolences on the loss of Dr. Hawley. Our thoughts are with you.
It was at Camp O-Ongo that Rev. Hawley helped me so much. My eldest daughter was hurting but was taking it out on me by verbal abuse every time we talked. I was trying to defend myself. His solution: Hang up, leave the room, etc. Don’t receive it. It worked! Bless him!
To the Hawley Family: Jeane, Steve and Eileen, John and Kathy, Diane and Bernie, Jim and AmyJo and their children, Jamie and Aaron
We condole with you in the passing of Bernie, husband, father and grandfather. We know that his place will remain unfilled and ever a poignant loss. But we know also that the grace of God can impact you with a sense of God’s healing presence and merciful strengthening. We trust that you may all find that to be true for you in a real way.
May God comfort you and give you a sense of peace.
Rowland and Judy Van Es
I am so sorry for the loss of Bernie. It was a pleasure to have known him and Jeanne and thier connection with San Marino Community Church. My prayers to the family.
Aunt Jeanne, Steve & Eileen, Diane & Bernie, John & Kathy, Jim & Amy: Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all, and especially today as you gather in Salina to celebrate Uncle Bernie’s life. We would certainly have been there with you had Lynn’s knee replacement surgery not been scheduled on the same day–an event which Aunt Jeanne can certainly relate to! Jim, prayers especially for you as you officiate. I don’t know that I could do that. Yet, there is no more appropriate person to remember and honor Uncle Bernie’s life than one of his children. May the Lord bless and keep you all in the coming days.
I’m quite pleased with the infomraiton in this one. TY!