Leonard "Bruce" Hawk's Obituary
Leonard “Bruce” Hawk, age 90, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2025. He was born August 16, 1935, in Cleveland, OH, to Leonard W. and Esther (Hill) Hawk.
Bruce graduated from Muskegon High School in 1955 and later continued his education at Muskegon Community College. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force before beginning a 40-year career as an Industrial Salesman—30 of those years with Stonehard, Inc. in Maple Shade, New Jersey. He retired in 1997.
On March 4, 1961, Bruce married the love of his life, Sondra L. Annis, in Muskegon. Bruce was a member of the White Lake Methodist Church, via transfer, since 1966. He was a Mason and also a past Master of the Montague-Whitehall Masonic Lodge #198 F & AM.
For several years, he coached Little League baseball and football through the White Lake Youth Sports Club. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fly-fishing for trout and steelhead, pleasure boating, and fishing for Lake Trout. His greatest passion, however, was snowmobiling with his family during the winter months. Bruce was also a member of the West Michigan Boot Scooters. Fittingly, he met Sondra while dancing—and he continued to dance for as long as he was able.
In 2004, Bruce and Sondra sold their home and embraced life as full-time RVers, traveling across the United States and spending their winters in Texas—a lifestyle they cherished until 2024. Above all, Bruce adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and never missed a chance to cheer them on at their sporting events whenever he could.
He will be deeply missed.
SURVIVORS include his wife of 64 years, Sondra; two children, Robert Bruce Hawk of Montague and Rhonda (John) Gerig of Whitehall; four grandchildren, Grant (Cassie) Gillish, Alex (Sydney Boeddeker) Gillish, Clark (Holly) Gillish, and Madison Hawk; three great-grandchildren, Gavin, Hudson, and Violet Gillish; sister, Linda (Duane) Rollins of El Paso, TX; nephew, Richard Rollins and niece, Susan Rollins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A private family Celebration of Bruce’s Life will be held later.
Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at https://www.sytsemafh.com
Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 726-5210
What’s your fondest memory of Leonard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leonard?
Share a story where Leonard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leonard you’ll never forget.
How did Leonard make you smile?