William Hawkinson

William Keith Hawkinson

February 13, 1950 - February 2, 2015 (64 years old)

Adored husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many, William “Bill” Hawkinson passed away suddenly and unexpectedly the morning of February 2, 2015 of cardiac tamponade.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, longtime resident of Oak Lawn, IL, and most recently of Lakeside, MI, Bill was the firstborn of Robert and Marion Hawkinson; cherished husband of Fredrica for 41 years; devoted father of Jeffrey (Gabrielle) Hawkinson, April (Karim) Anani, and Erica Hawkinson (Michael Giannangelo); dear grandfather “Pops” to Leonidas, Layla, Dean, and Alessandra; loving brother to Mary (Bill) Roth, Sally (Bob) Gaw, Bob (Sara) Hawkinson, Tom (Alice) Hawkinson, Margie (Joe) Gainer, and Jim (Maria) Hawkinson; and kind uncle to many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Bill was a proud graduate of Christ the King School, St. Ignatius College Prep (’68) and Purdue University (’72) where he earned a BS in Civil Engineering and pursued post-graduate studies in Structural Engineering. After college, he went to work for the family business, Hawkinson Ford Company, eventually becoming President and CEO.

Bill’s integrity coupled with his business acumen were critical in helping the dealership achieve prominence in the community as well as earning it the distinction of Top 100 Ford Dealer for over 30 consecutive years, including a designation as the #1 Retail New Car Dealership in the USA in 1991. In 2001, Bill himself was honored to be a finalist for the TIME Magazine Quality Dealer Award, which recognizes dealers who achieve exceptional performance and perform distinguished community service.

Bill was an active philanthropist who established the Hawkinson Family Foundation for School District 123, contributed to his alma mater St. Ignatius, supported the Boy Scouts of America, and held leadership positions at Advocate Christ Hospital and Medical Center where, in addition to serving as a Council Member, he was integral in establishing Hope Children’s Hospital, raising over $2 million in donations.

In addition to his charitable work, Bill also served as a Board Member and Treasurer for a variety of business organizations, including the National Ford Dealer Council, Chicago Ford Dealers’ Advertising Fund, Illinois Automobile Dealers Association, and as a Council Member and occasional Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Family Business School.

Bill had profound faith in God, believed in the power of prayer, and strived to live out the Jesuit ideal of “men and women for others.” He was charming with his playful, vibrant spirit and quirky sense of humor. He was selfless and unassuming while endeavoring to be the best. He was a tremendous golfer, avid reader and loved a good meal. Above all else, he was a loyal and devoted family man with a gentle soul. He taught us how to love, how to be kind, and how to believe in ourselves and be there for one another. There is no one else like Bill Hawkinson.

The visitation will be held this Sunday, February 8th from 1 - 5 pm at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home at 5570 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to St. Ignatius College Prep.

708-425-0500