Mr. Goodbar

By Carol Noel Hawley -

​from a Facebook post-  11/7/2018


The election is over... some of the news exciting and optimisitc, some not.  But regardless, my focus shifted rapidly last night when I got home from my stint at working to get out the vote.


I was barely in the door when we got the news that Den's dad, who had been in hospice care at home, had passed.


Bill Hawley, "Dad" for 46 years, was a truly good guy. His favorite candy was Mr. Goodbar, and I always told him that it did not surprise me that he loved a candy named after himself.  



A World War II veteran who fought with the Seabees in the South Pacific, he spent his career as the farm manager of an agricultural research farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. When he retired, this Rhode Island native moved next door to us, where he spent his days gardening and inventing.  


How he loved to create things!  He built tractors and swing-sets and even a full size travel trailer. He also started, but unfortunately never quite finished, a scale replica of Noah's Arc, built precisely to Biblical measurements, as was appropriate to someone so scientifically and mechanically inclined.


So with sadness at his passing, but relief that his struggle is finally over, I reflect on not only this special man's life, but the passing of time and of his generation. They did so much for the world and never boasted, never gloated, never preened.  They did what they had to do and carried on with compassion, determination, and grace. 


They truly were the greatest generation, and Bill Hawley was a wonderful example of his peers. We will miss you, Dad.

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