This is such a loss. Over the years, I've thought of Hugh often and always found myself marveling anew at what an exceptional person he was.
I first got to know him in 7th grade, where he stood out in my mind for being unfailingly decent and honorable and kind; if he had a mean or snide or sarcastic or low bone in his body, even as an adolescent boy, it is news to me. His self-discipline, work ethic, and determination to master everything he did were second to none. (Pete Paisley considered him the hardest worker on the wrestling team.)
It was always Hugh’s goal to be a doctor, and even after suffering an injury that would have sidetracked many, he went on to become a noted radiologist and teacher, while still finding the time and energy to work to make the world a better place through his community and philanthropic activities. (https://craighospital.org/blog/1974-craig-grad-achieves-success-in-medicine-academia-1)
When I returned to the Midwest and reconnected with Hugh in 2014, his playful sense of humor, good nature, keen intelligence and interest in pretty much everything under the sun reminded me how lucky I was to have him for a friend.
Hugh Hawkins was the finest person I have ever known. I will miss him terribly.
Hugh and I lived a few doors down from each other on Seminary Street when we were 4 - 5 years old. So outside of siblings and cousins, I can't think of anyone I've known longer than Hugh. There are a lot of people I've known a long time because we grew up in Galesburg, but very few who are life-long friends.
I can remember Hugh bringing his girl friend Poppy to Galesburg while they were still in college.
Hugh and Poppy were married a week after Alice and I, Dave Hicks rode with us to Cincinnati for their wedding, and we almost missed it due to not taking into consideration the time zone change.
The scariest car ride I ever had was when Hugh drove me downtown to see a Cincinnati Reds game in his van that had been adapted for a person driving in a wheel chair.
While we each had a parent still living in Galesburg, our families would meet up there. Often hanging out at the country club on Lake Rice where our kids could swim.
We might go two or three years without seeing each other, but we would text, email, or phone: birthdays, anniversaries, life events were reasons to get in touch.
The last time I saw Hugh was in early May, '22. Hugh was to be in Galesburg for a few days for an event related to the foundation he and Poppy support in Galesburg. I drove over from Des Moines to spend a few hours with him. We got a tour of the remodeled/expanded Galesburg High School, we walked around on the Knox College campus, we checked out the site of one of the venues for the 55th reunion, we ate dinner at a new restaurant in Galesburg, we drove around the area from Silas Willard to his former home on Academy. A lot of reminiscing. Then I drove home that evening.
I wish I could say that I can remember things that were said or share some great insight we each had from the visit. But it was just two old guys, two life-long friends that were hanging out for a few hours in our home town.
Karen and I are deeply saddened by this news. Most people don’t know that it is due to Hugh and Poppy that Karen and I reunited at the 25th high school reunion and were married within a year. Until that time I had not seen Hugh since high school. Since the reunion we have shared so many good experiences, from listening to Marcia Ball in New Orleans, to watching sunsets, to incredible meals at so many great restaurants or to wonderful conversations about anything one can imagine. Hugh’s creativity and intelligence which he could apply to so many areas were just amazing. We will miss our good friend.
Hugh and I were good friends for five years at Churchill Jr High and GHS. He was exceptionally bright but nicer still. My heart goes out to his wife and family.
David Hicks
When I returned to the Midwest and reconnected with Hugh in 2014, his playful sense of humor, good nature, keen intelligence and interest in pretty much everything under the sun reminded me how lucky I was to have him for a friend.
Hugh Hawkins was the finest person I have ever known. I will miss him terribly.
Dick Bradley
"I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12. Jesus, does anyone?"
Peggy Sargent (Carter)
He was one of the (few) truly good guys. He will be missed.Tom Blaine
Hugh and I lived a few doors down from each other on Seminary Street when we were 4 - 5 years old. So outside of siblings and cousins, I can't think of anyone I've known longer than Hugh. There are a lot of people I've known a long time because we grew up in Galesburg, but very few who are life-long friends.
I can remember Hugh bringing his girl friend Poppy to Galesburg while they were still in college.
Hugh and Poppy were married a week after Alice and I, Dave Hicks rode with us to Cincinnati for their wedding, and we almost missed it due to not taking into consideration the time zone change.
The scariest car ride I ever had was when Hugh drove me downtown to see a Cincinnati Reds game in his van that had been adapted for a person driving in a wheel chair.
While we each had a parent still living in Galesburg, our families would meet up there. Often hanging out at the country club on Lake Rice where our kids could swim.
We might go two or three years without seeing each other, but we would text, email, or phone: birthdays, anniversaries, life events were reasons to get in touch.
The last time I saw Hugh was in early May, '22. Hugh was to be in Galesburg for a few days for an event related to the foundation he and Poppy support in Galesburg. I drove over from Des Moines to spend a few hours with him. We got a tour of the remodeled/expanded Galesburg High School, we walked around on the Knox College campus, we checked out the site of one of the venues for the 55th reunion, we ate dinner at a new restaurant in Galesburg, we drove around the area from Silas Willard to his former home on Academy. A lot of reminiscing. Then I drove home that evening.
I wish I could say that I can remember things that were said or share some great insight we each had from the visit. But it was just two old guys, two life-long friends that were hanging out for a few hours in our home town.
Not knowing we'd never see each other again.
That reality is still sinking in.
It sucks.
Frank Goodin
Karen and I are deeply saddened by this news. Most people don’t know that it is due to Hugh and Poppy that Karen and I reunited at the 25th high school reunion and were married within a year. Until that time I had not seen Hugh since high school. Since the reunion we have shared so many good experiences, from listening to Marcia Ball in New Orleans, to watching sunsets, to incredible meals at so many great restaurants or to wonderful conversations about anything one can imagine. Hugh’s creativity and intelligence which he could apply to so many areas were just amazing. We will miss our good friend.
Thomas (Mitch) Hunter
Hugh and I were good friends for five years at Churchill Jr High and GHS. He was exceptionally bright but nicer still. My heart goes out to his wife and family.