In Memory

Cliff Hawkins (-) VIEW PROFILE

Cliff Hawkins (-)



 
go to bottom 
  Post Comment

12/01/22 05:33 PM #1    

Ann Stillman (Wilson)

From Ray Squiteri - Sorry to report the death of Cliff Hawkins (we new him as Chip) in late October 2022. He had suffered from cancer for several years. Cliff was an eccentric at NCHS, and continued on that path for the rest of his life. In Mr. Dibiase's American History class he often vocally disagreed with the teacher's leftist take on both history and current events. He attended Ohio Wesleyan, then graduated with a BA from Sarah Lawrence. Along the way he shifted from right-wing to left-wing. He wrote a history PhD thesis on early socialist thinkers in the United States. He continued his scholarly pursuits, and his advocacy of leftist causes, for the rest of his life. Cliff did not go on to teach. He worked in several bookstores and a prison. He lived around Oakland CA, never marrying or having a family. He enjoyed hiking in the woods of northern California.


12/01/22 08:17 PM #2    

James Preusch

I remember Chip well and had several classes with him. I recall his JBS opinions and beliefs well.

Chip was the reason I passed Latin 2. He spent 20 mins a day during the Driver’s Ed break tutoring me. We did that for 3 weeks while others walked to the Swiss Bakery. I got a 90 on the next test. When I asked Chip to continue tutoring me he declined explaining that he had taught me how to study and I could learn Latin myself. He was correct. At the end of the year, my failing grade became a B.

I recall “finding” Chip in 2008 prior to our 40th reunion. It was a great conversation. He apologized for his NCHS JBS rhetoric. I was amazed by the changes in his humble life and valued his insights and wisdom. He didn’t recall tutoring me and took no credit.

I am not surprised that he had no family. He took little interest in social matters or pleasing others, yet he was very helpful to other people when he could be. He clearly marched to the beat of his own drum.

Thank you, Chip!

Jim Preusch

go to top 
  Post Comment

 


Click here to see Cliff's last Profile entry.