Obituary of Ernest Maynard Hawk

On a sunny winter day in central Pennsylvania, Reverend Ernie Hawk peacefully passed from this life to the next the way he intended: simply and naturally. His family is grateful to Mt. Nittany Medical Center for supporting our 3-day vigil, with many loved ones participating at a distance. During that time, our father quietly demonstrated his "sense of absolute acceptance . . . without fear and with gratitude," as he once wrote. Those inspired by his life include his daughter Tsultrim Datso (nee Diane Hawk) and son Philip Hawk and his wife Candace Smith; his grandchildren Solomon, Simon, Maxwell and Dechen Hawk; his brother Lowell Hawk and his wife Shirley; his nephews and nieces, Barbie, Beverlee, Steve, Peggy, Debby, Bobbie, and Keith Hawk; friends, particularly Joan Blasko and others at Foxdale Village; and the members of Faith United Church of Christ in State College, PA. One Foxdalite said, "To know Ernie was to love Ernie." Loved ones who moved on before our dad: his first wife Lucile Hendershot, his second wife Jean Slates, his daughter Marcia Hawk, and his three brothers Willard, Edmund, and Carson Hawk. Ernest was born to Anna and Clarence Hawk in Northampton, PA where the family of five boys was raised. His mother was one of the first deaconesses trained at Phoebe Home in Allentown, PA. He followed in her footsteps by becoming the second member of his home church (St. Paul's UCC in Northampton) to enter the ministry. He graduated from Muhlenberg College and Lancaster Seminary. He served as a United Church of Christ pastor first for 5 years in Lemasters, PA where he and his budding family enjoyed rural life, followed by 12 years in the small town of Coopersburg, PA at the St. John's church community. His next form of ministry was in response to Professors Rustom Roy and Harold Schillings' call for clergy to help the scientific community interact with society. He became the Coordinator of Science and Society Programs at Penn State where he completed a Master's in Education focused on clergy and congregational training in science and religion, such as environmental responsibility and ethical considerations of technology. Dedicated to the community, our dad was an avid volunteer for Kirkridge Retreat Center, Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, Clearwater Conservancy, Centre Volunteers in Medicine, and Penguin Packs meals for children. Ernie was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially Penn State Wrestling and Women's Volleyball, rivaled only by his lifelong love of choral singing. He was a philosopher poet who enjoyed country drives with stops at state parks to sit and walk in his beloved Penn's woods, where he live all his years. Puns arose spontaneously, and he often saw the humor in everyday life, which he loved sharing with others. As a friend remarked, "He was curious and engaged." He often took the view of people he met, empathizing with and celebrating their life paths. During a splendorous sunset, he once remarked, "There's so much to be alive to!" We leave you with this poem of his: On Seeing First Light When Sun kisses earth Our day begins—again. The Artist with palette and brush Births beauty to life—again. Ah awakening! Upon his request, a small memorial gathering for family and friends was held on January 29. At that time remembrances were shared, his spirit was commended to God and his body to the earth. Cremation followed the commendation. Memorial gifts may be made to: Faith United Church of Christ in State College The State College Choral Society Fund or The Centre Safe Fund at The Centre County Community Foundation Appreciation: Ernie's life was greatly enhanced by his involvement with the Sycamore Community, the United Church of Christ Penn Central Conference and local congregation, and the Foxdale Village community that enables individuals to live together with meaning and purpose. For these loving communities and their roles in society, we are grateful. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.