Good morning, friends and family of Bob. This is Bob's brother, David Hawsey. On behalf of his wife, Jeannie, and our other brother Walter, we are saddened to share that Bob passed peacefully early Wednesday morning. As he called it, it was his "graduation day".
Bob fought metastatic prostate cancer harder and longer than anyone I've ever known. A 10-year journey of every possible trial at MD Anderson, chemo, radiation, Gamma knife therapy, more drugs than I can pronounce, and many other steps between was a small glimpse of his path.
If you know Bob you'd understand that he approached this as Mr. Spock from Star Trek would have. He would not take no for an answer and endlessly researched every aspect of his disease and possible therapies. Even this week he refused to give up. He was conscious until about 5 PM. It was his wish that he not die in the hospital so we were able to get him home late last night. I know he could hear us and was pleased to be home with Jeannie.
On a personal note, many of you have remarked what I can affirm: Bob was the kindest, most empathetic, and sympathetic human being I've met. He helped so many people in so many ways that we cannot count. Bob set a very high bar for how to treat others.
Bob left meticulous and detailed instructions for just about everything (of course he did....he's Bob!) We will work today and tomorrow to put things into motion. He wanted a memorial service in both Maryville, TN, and Evergreen, CO. All the details will follow once we get our heads together.
For now, we will cherish the many memories and stories all of us can share. Keep Jeannie in your prayers.
David
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert “Bob” Alan Hawsey, age 67 of Maryville, passed away on April 19, 2023, at home with his family beside him after a long battle with cancer. He was a member of New Providence Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the Smoky Mountain Mustang Club.
He retired from Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee where he led the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy program office; the National Renewable Laboratory in Colorado where he served as vice president and Associate Laboratory Director for Renewable Electricity; and most recently as a representative with Thrivent Financial. During Bob’s five years at NREL, he helped grow the Renewable Electricity and End Use Systems directorate from 300 to about 380 full-time scientists and engineers, with increases in new budget authority managed by the associated centers and programs in his directorate to nearly $150 million in 2012. He was also instrumental in mentoring new talent within the laboratory, supporting efforts to increase NREL’s market impact and diversify funding, and was active in staff charitable efforts such as the charitable giving campaign and the annual food drive. Bob was especially proud of all the R&D 100 awards and the many other honors and awards his staff were recognized for during his tenure.
He loved family and volunteering for Senior Miles (Smiles) in Blount County, TN, and Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity in Evergreen, Colorado. He was also an avid swimmer and he enjoyed working on and driving classic Ford Mustangs and traveling around the world with his wife Jeannie by his side. Preceded in death by parents Walter and Gladys Hawsey. Survivors include his wife, Jeannie Hawsey of Maryville; brothers David Hawsey & Walter Hawsey III; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at New Providence Presbyterian Church, 703 W. Broadway Ave., Maryville, TN 37801 on Friday, April 28th at 3:00 PM, Rev. Emily Anderson officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center attn: Prostate Cancer Moonshot, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486; or to Blount County Community Action Agency, Office on Aging, Attention: Senior Miles (Smiles), 3509 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replies