Henry James "Hank" Hawley's Obituary
Henry James “Hank” Hawley, age 77, of Grand Haven passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at MediLodge at the Shore. He was born on February 29, 1948, in Milwaukee, WI to Richard and Lillian (Huffman) Hawley. Hank married Leah MacPherson in 2002, after they met at Meijer.
Hank served his country honorably in the Air Force 821st Special Forces Unit, during the Vietnam war, receiving the Purple Heart. Following his military service, he graduated from Western Michigan University with his Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and was employed by the Department of Human Services in Ottawa County as a social worker. He enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, and especially spending time with his wife, family, and grandchildren. Hank was a high ropes trainer, building and designing courses, including the course at Camp Blodgett. He would travel to train and design the courses throughout the Midwest. Every summer, Hank, Leah, and Jason would go on a long road trip, trying to visit all fifty states, a goal they just missed. Hank loved helping at-risk youth and had a servant heart.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Leah Hawley; three stepsons: Vince (Elizabeth) Gervais, Eric (Jennifer) Gervais, and Jason Gervais; five grandchildren: Keegan Johnson, Camryn Gervais, Mallory Gervais, Reese Gervais and Giuliana Gervais; and two brothers, Tom Hawley and Rick Hawley. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Hank’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services with military honors accorded by the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 Honor Guard. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Memorials to The Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, IL https://www.sralab.org/give-now are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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