M. William (Bill) Hawkesworth, Jr. passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at the age of 83. Bill started life, May 26,1935 in a city always dear to his heart, Butte, Montana. His parents Maurice and Tecla (Davis) Hawkesworth, both had been born in this illustrious mining town.

Twelve years later his life adventures continued in Salt Lake City where his high school, Judge Memorial, won the state's football championship. From there a University of Notre Dame's diploma in "Communication Arts" was earned.

On September 7,1957, he married Martha Beikes, a St. Mary's graduate, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame. Two of their five children were born in South Bend, William Wedgwood, now of Phoenix, AZ and Michael Maurice, now of Berlin, Germany. During this period Bill was a US Marine reserve and worked with Joe Boland and Roland Kelly at WSBT radio.

An opportunity to work for UPI opened in Salt Lake. His first national news story went live on the news-wires when a fatal air crash occurred at the SLC airport in November of 1965.

After he managed a gubernatorial campaign, the family went north to Idaho Falls, ID., where Joseph John (Kenni Ann) now of Jupiter, FL was born. Bill managed several gas stations during this time.

Soon after, the family returned to Salt Lake City where Bill began his lengthy career with Hercules, Inc., a chemical and munitions manufacturing company. Mary Delores (Fasick) now of Oxford, PA, arrived at Holy Cross Hospital and soon after Thomas Robert now of Chesapeake City, Md. arrived, and the energetic family was complete.

In 1966, an offer to become the Manager of Community Relations at Hercules' Headquarters in Wilmington, DE. ensued. Upon acceptance the family relocated to Newark, DE.

Bill's work on the Hercules first-place award winning ecology film, "Hercules at Hattiesburg" was among his many creative contributions during his 25 years with the company. The film won first-place competing with 500 top U.S. companies.

Family life filled all his spare moments. With five active children, he and Martha, juggled schedules to enable them to attend every possible game or event with which they were involved. Bill coached Little League teams for 8 years, six of those years his teams won their league championships. Another family activity was organizing and managing their family run Santa Claus booth in the mall for several years. He always had a garden and cherished his tomato plants.

Bill served on the board of directors for St. Marks High School, United Way, and the American Red Cross (he donated blood over 100 times). As the President of the Notre Dame Club of Delaware, he hosted several fund-raising benefits, one of which was attended by Father Ted Hesburgh. He also helped with correspondence for the local bishop in Wilmington, DE.

His 25th year with Hercules saw him back in Utah where he negotiated a peaceful land use agreement with the local Indian tribe. After his retirement and Martha's sudden death, he worked in their family-owned Sylvan Learning Center until his elder son, Bill, Jr. took over the business. Always an avid skier and living near Alta, he skied frequently and even at age 65, Bill once did a complete flip on skis. He volunteered as a teacher in Utah's state prison as well as Confirmation classes at his parish.

The last few years of his active life were spent in Boynton Beach, FL. with Anna May Ervolino. Their mutual interests in travel, especially cruises, watching Notre Dame football, music and visiting family were important.

But one other venture kept his mind busy. He invented, patented, and marketed a Miracle Cane while living in Florida.

His is survived by two sisters, Montel Menting at Notre Dame and Lynn Heydon (Tim) in Reno, NV. who were always in close contact with him. Their brother and their families always have and will remember Bill whose life could be summed up: God, Family, Country and Notre Dame.

Survivors besides his five children, two sisters and brother-in-law include: 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 8 nieces and nephews and 6 great nieces and nephews. Services will be at Holy Cross Chapel in Holy Cross Village with internment at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery St. Mary's July 6, 2018.