Obituary of Richard Hawks

Richard S. Hawks passed away on January 31 at St. Joseph’s Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on November 20, 1947 in Rochester, NY to Orris and Virginia Hawks. After graduating from SUNY-ESF in Landscape Architecture, Richard worked at EDAW in San Francisco and then completed his master’s degree at Harvard Graduate School of Design. He returned to ESF in 1979, rising to full professor and Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture. He loved mentoring students, in studios and in the off-campus program. He passionately promoted the field of Landscape Architecture to young people. Richard maintained a national profile through his work with the NEA’s Your Town program and several ASLA initiatives. He was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, holding many leadership roles. After retiring, Richard was an avid cycler, completing four 5 Boro Bike Tours and riding many miles on the Erie Canal and Onondaga Lake trails. He enjoyed golf (once hitting a hole-inone), skiing, travel and all things Bob Dylan. He was a keen observer of how people used public spaces. Above all, Richard was devoted to his family: Susan, his wife of 52 years; son Nat, his wife Melanie and daughters Pia and Oona; daughter Alice, her son Orson, partner Chris and his son Ryan; sister Julia Perlman of Potomac, MD and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Robert. With warmth, humor, good spirits and love for everyone, Richard enjoyed a wide and ever-expanding circle of friends, young and old. In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Richard may be made to Plymouth Congregational Church and to ESF College Foundation, Richard Hawks Fund for scholarships. A memorial service at Plymouth Congregational Church will be held at a later date.