Our loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, Al Hawkins of West Richland, WA passed away on September 21, 2011 at the age of 61. We mourn our loss yet we rejoice in the memories of the love and deep care he showed to us through the truly brief years that we had with him here on Earth.

Born Albert Robert Foster Hawkins on November 6, 1949 in Tucson, Arizona, he was the only child of Albert Ray and Effie Hawkins. The family spent the early years of Al's life in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and then moved to Richland in1965. Al earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Washington in 1970 and a Masters in Business Administration from Washington State University In 1975.

In June 1970, Al was hired by Atlantic Richfield Hanford Company in the graduate engineer program. Over the course of his 41-year career at Hanford, Al worked for a number of contractors, including ARHCO, Rockwell, TRW, Westinghouse, SAIC and, most recently, the Department of Energy. His skills were many and he was an extremely dedicated employee. His career spanned a wide spectrum of technical and management areas including process and development engineering, nuclear and industrial safety, information management systems, quality assurance and more. He mastered all areas, earning the respect of everyone with whom he worked. Al's contributions to the Hanford Site were numerous. He was instrumental in projects such as the restart of the Purex plant, lifting of the Basalt Waste Isolation Project stop work order, career placement and recruitment centers for early environmental cleanup mission changes, and establishment of regulatory processes and strategies for the waste vitrification project.

In his personal life, Al enjoyed spending time outside with his expansive garden. Similar to his career, he took great pride in the condition of his yard and found immense pleasure in sharing its beauty with others. A simple request to walk with him through his garden would endear you to his youthful exuberance for his flowers and give you an intimate glimpse of the personality that his friends and family loved so dearly.

Al was a dedicated and loving father and grandfather who got great joy from both of his children and the grandchildren he was blessed with through marriage. Whether it was indulging in playing blocks with his grandson or visiting his children in New York or Pittsburgh to help with things around the house, Al was the happiest when he was actively helping the people he loved. Despite Al's reserved nature, it was not uncommon for him to wear the overwhelming pride he had for his family on his sleeve.

Al enjoyed many genres of music, going to the movies with friends and colleagues and travel. Having visited Africa, Asia, Australia, South America and Europe, Al was adventurous in his travels and was never afraid to try new things – scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, rafting the Grand Canyon and even eating unusual delicacies on safari. Al embraced people from all places and all walks of life and gave his family the opportunity to learn with him in these experiences.

Al had a gift for communicating with others grounded in his empathy and understanding of different points of view. He cared deeply for others and enjoyed the friendship and respect of many. Well-read and well-spoken, he could talk with anyone and it was tough to find a subject about which he did not have some knowledge or experience. Al was also a valued member of the West Richland Planning Commission.

Al is survived by his wife, Leslie Ann Kietzman Hawkins of San Antonio, Texas; his daughter, Lynsey Gibson Ramos and son-in-law, Ray Ramos, of New York, New York, his son, David Foster Hawkins and fiancé, Briana Whisner of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, step-daughter, Heather Van Noord and grandchildren Katelyn and Garrett, step-daughter Kamie Low and granddaughter Kassidy all of San Antonio, Texas and his ex-wife and friend, Jan Hawkins of Brussels, Belgium.

As a kind, caring, personable, and approachable person, Al was known and appreciated by many. We will miss him and love him forever. Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland. In honor of Al's desire to serve as an advocate for children upon retirement, contributions may be made to Benton Franklin CASA - GAL Program, P.O.C. Erin at 509-736-2710. Those wishing to donate are directed to call and Erin will assist them.