In Memoriam

 

William H. “Bill” Hawkins, Jr. (1949-2005): Bill Hawkins was much more than a long-time professional colleague. He was also a good friend. Bureau staff that had the opportunity to work with and know Bill believe themselves fortunate. We miss Ol’ Bill everyday, but will always feel his presence when in the field.

Bill was born in Polk County to a farming family – farming and the land were in his blood and soul. He began his professional career with Zellers-Williams, Inc, and was involved in the Evaluation of Lands Mined for Phosphate prior to June 30, 1975. In other words, he was there at the start of Mine Reclamation as we now know it. Subsequently, Bill worked as the Reclamation Manager for Mobil Mining & Minerals Company and Agrifos, L.L.C.; and was known for his willingness to try or invent innovative reclamation techniques. After a lengthy career with the mining industry, Bill went to work with the Bureau of Mine Reclamation, in charge of the Homeland Field Office. Several months prior to his death, Bill returned to working the land in the capacity of a Land Manager with Cargill Fertilizer, Inc.

A “Florida Cracker” in the best sense of the term, Bill always exhibited an old-school understanding of right and wrong, love of family and friends, and unrelenting dedication to the land. Bill loved to read about and discuss Florida history, farming, and cattle ranching. The Native Plant Nursery at the Homeland Office is in most part thanks to Bill and “the itch he always needed to scratch”. Known to borrow, scrounge, and collect “antique” farming equipment (aka Junk), Bill nevertheless always found a way to scratch the itch, and instill it in others.

We were born too late, Old Friend – and you are gone from us too soon! (A Fellow Cracker)