Saturday, February 6, 2016
I met Bill years ago while working in dialysis at Durham (East) Dialysis clinic. He was an exceptionally good and caring nurse- to both the dialysis patients and the teammates. I have said many times over the years that if there was ever an emergency in the clinic, Bill Hawkes was the nurse you would want there- he was always level headed and handled any and all emergency situations better than anyone I ever knew. I also recall that he never would use inclement weather as an excuse to miss work or dialysis- he would go out and pick up both staff and patients alike- always putting the health and wellbeing of others ahead of his own. Lastly, though we parted from that job long ago- he always made the effort to stay in touch, reach out and offer a hug, phone call, hello.... he was the glue that has kept many of us in touch those many years ago. He would often speak of Eloise (he was so proud of you being a nurse at the VA) and loved to share about his son, daughter and grands. He loved his family- it was evident and powerful- through the good and the rough times, Bill was always there to help and support in any and all ways he could.
I love they you were missionaries in Alaska- that was very heartwarming as I love missions and have just been on a few trips- always amazed me that you all were there for such a long time. How to show love for others- Bill did that in a powerful way. It seemed to come easy to him. I will always have the warmest and fondest memories of Bill- will not be able to look at a grapefruit or an orange without him coming to mind (he sold them for years I believe as a fundraiser- and we purchased them for most of those years!). Thank you for sharing the stories and memories on this page- have enjoyed reading through how he has touched others' lives as well as my own. Prayers are with you all at this time.
