Michael was a beloved father, father-in-law, and grandfather to us. He was quite the character and there was never a dull conversation. Bryant has fond memories of his Dad making visits to Fort Dodge to watch him play football and so much more. And while we wished we saw him more often, we were able to make several trips to TX, including two trips where Sophia got to spend time with him and her great grandparents.  One trip included a memory that Michael would never let me forget where I was sleep walking in the cabin we stayed in together celebrating BD and Phylis’s 50th wedding anniversary.  There were several other fun visits from Michael here in Chicago along the way too. I will never forget when he stayed with us for an extended time while doing insurance work and we would silently fight with the tv remote…he was always wondering who turned off his Fox News.  I know Bryant will miss the frequent phone calls with his Dad. That time and all this moving forward will be cherished memories and we will keep them close to our hearts.  We were blessed to have Michael bring Kim into our lives and will always remember their fun wedding celebration and times spent together.  Kimmy, as Michael often referred her, has been an amazing caretaker these past years for Michael and we don’t know what we would have done without her - I’m positive it was not expressed enough but we are humbled and thankful.  And to Becky and Gordy - for opening their home and hearts for which we will also forever be grateful.  We’ve never had a family member afflicted with this awful disease and we know that Michael’s suffering is at ease and he is looking down on his family. God bless him and all his family and friends as we work through the grief of his loss. 

Love,

Bryant, Amy & Sophia Hawkins