Robert Hawley
Obituary
We celebrate the completed life of Robert George Hawley, Jr., age 80, a resident of Naperville, IL. Bob was born January 25, 1943, in Omaha, Nebraska to Robert G. Hawley, Sr. and Patricia A. Hawley. He died October 9, 2023, at his home in Naperville after a long battle with young-onset Alzheimer’s subsequently complicated with Cerebral Atherosclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, three children, Brian (Diana) Hawley of Lafayette, CA., George (Rachel) Hawley of Chicago, IL, Marisa Hawley of Naperville, IL, and two grandsons Graham and Jacob Hawley of Chicago, IL. He was supported and enriched by his brother and sister-in-law, Edward (Connie) Brinton of Iowa City, IA and sister-in-law Louise Hawley of Duluth, MN. He was preceded in death by his loving parents and brother John Hawley.
Bob spent his childhood in Omaha, NE and Sioux City, IA enjoying camping and hiking with his family, Boy Scouts, music and was nurtured in the Methodist Church. He graduated from Sioux City Central High School in 1961, attended one year at Drake University, then graduated from the University of Iowa in 1965. He met Barbara Brinton of Brighton, IA in their senior year. They began their married life in Boston, MA where Bob got his Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology in 1968.
Bob and Barbara returned to Iowa where he served Methodist churches for five years and welcomed their three children into their home. He was then assigned outside the local church and began his lifelong work with The Ecumenical Institute and Institute of Cultural Affairs. He served in this experimental global ministry consulting and collaborating with communities and churches advancing human development living in various locations in United States and Australia and consulted in Jamaica, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Canada. He was an agent of change and community advocate for ICA in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood.
After Bob was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he participated in programs through Rush University’s support group for people with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease, diligently exercised and continued to read for many years. He was a bright and reflective man who helped educate professionals and caregivers through panel presentations and writing from the position of one living with the disease. He was a positive model for many struggling with the same journey. He tried to make the best of every day, be as little burden as he could, and rejoiced in what he still had.
Bob was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and uncle. He was compassionate and had a gift for putting his compassion into action. His kindness and empathy served as an example for others. He was a caring man that lived with faith in humanity and was always helping others.
The family requests that donations be made to support the Without Warning Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Support Group at Rush which has sustained Bob and his family for 17 years. Please send memorial gifts to Rush University Medical Center, Philanthropy Office, 1201 W. Harrison St. Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607-3319. Include Without Warning in memo line.
Many of you will remember Bob from his days in the Conference Center at ICA at 4750 North Sheridan Road in Chicago. Others will remember his patience with all things technology (and teaching us). Others will remember his gorgeous voice and love of singing! Others will remember his kindness in his smile, his words w& his deeds. In grief and gratitude for a life well lived!
~~ Paula Philbrook
Yes, I remember Bob at “Kemper” Yes to a life well lived. We are blessed.
~~ Mary D’Souza
I remember Bob from Kemper days. Marge worked with him and he was steadfast and dependable. And yes a very nice voice.
~~ Evelyn Kurihara Philbrook, ICA Taiwan
A life well-lived! Since we first knew Bob Hawley and his family in Richmond, VA house in the early 70s, we have known Bob to be devoted to the Order and the family, caring for the mission and those in his community, smiling, singing and loving life. Bob always seemed enthusiastic. The Greek origin of enthusiastic means someone inspired by God.
In his illness journey, he cared for others who might have the same disease, as those around him were caring for him. We appreciate and celebrate Bob’s life-long dedication to service and care. We are sending our love and prayers to Barb and the children and grandchildren. Grace and peace to all,
~~ Jack and Louise Ballard
Memories of working with him in the kitchen one summer are still good. He was such an affirming guy. Thanks Bob.
~~ Vera Barber
Since I was assigned elsewhere, I didn’t get to see the Hawley family very often, but my mother and Barb’s mother had been friends & classmates in their very small hometown of Brighton Iowa. My mother found it very impressive and an excellent recommendation for my newfound involvement in the ICA. Thanks to the Hawley family for their kindness and helpfulness. My heartfelt condolences on Bob’s passing, Love,
~~ Nancy Trask, daughter of Evelyn (Eyestone) Trask