Lawrence William Hawkins

Obituary Col. Lawrence W. Hawkins (Ret'd) Husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, colonel, teacher, administrator and a true friend to many, Larry passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 4. Larry was born in Tacoma on March 4, 1940 to Magdalena (Mac) and Al Hawkins. He graduated from Bellarmine Prep., Gonzaga University and received his teaching credentials from the University of Puget Sound. In 1962, Larry was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He then served on active duty in Western Germany from 1963 - 1965. Colonel Hawkins' final position was the Department of Defense Principal Regional Military Emergency Coordinator for Sixth U. S. Army's liaison team. During his military career, he received many awards and decorations. Larry was a dedicated and inspiring teacher and principal. He spent thirty years in the Peninsula School District, first at Goodman Middle School, Vaughn Elementary and Evergreen Elementary. In 1993, he retired as Principal of Vaughn Elementary. After his retirement, he worked at Pacific Lutheran University where he mentored student teachers. This post-retirement work was very rewarding for Larry. Throughout his professional life, he created and maintained life-long friendships. Family and friends were paramount in Larry's life. When Larry married Diane Jensen in 1967, he became an integral part of the Jensen family, and his presence, love and friendship will be dearly missed. Diane and Larry proudly raised their three children in the Gig Harbor community. He continued to take great pride in his children and their accomplishments, and he cherished spending time with his grandchildren. He was a daily participant in the early morning conversation at the Table of Knowledge at the Flotation Device, and he loved the RV outings with the Gig Harbor Eagles. Trips to Mexico and hunting and fishing in Alaska, Mineral Lake and South Dakota also held fond memories for Larry. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his amazing ability to organize, and his willingness to help others in times of need. Larry lived his life to the fullest! Larry was preceded by his parents, his wife, Diane, and his brother Steve. He is survived by his children, Lawren (Lisa), Marlyn (Matt) and Aaron; grandchildren, Sierra, Jack and Joshua; twin sister Sr. Mary SP; brother Don (Judye); foster siblings Michael (Kelly) and Sharon Sattler and an extra-large extended family. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Gig Harbor on Thursday, December 15 at 11:00 AM. A Rosary will also be recited at Gaffney Funeral Home in Tacoma on Wednesday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Contributions in Larry's name may be made to Gig Harbor Eagles #2809 Scholarship Fund.