Paul Hawthorne
May 22, 1957 – May 27, 2022
With deep sorrow, we share the news of Paul Richard Hawthorne’s passing on May 27, 2022 at age 65. He was surrounded by family after a challenging illness.
Paul was born on May 22, 1957 in Walnut Creek, California, to Elaine Wilson Hawthorne and John Hawthorne. He spent his childhood years hiking in Walnut Creek’s open space with his dog, Inky. He proudly became an Eagle Scout in October 1975 with Troop 234. Paul took an interest in his father’s safe business, Hawthorne Safe Company, and shared many stories with his family over the years about their summers together in Oakland and the East Bay. After graduating from Las Lomas HS, Paul earned a Mechanical Engineering degree with honors from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1980.
Soon after graduation, he began a 38-year career at PG&E, working in San Francisco, Walnut Creek and San Ramon. His coworkers enjoyed his quick wit, kind personality and passion for engineering. His technical expertise was celebrated, and his designs were elegant, yet simple and efficient.
Paul married Carol Seemann in 1994 in Pleasant Hill. Together, they lovingly raised two children in Walnut Creek, Jonathan and Natalie Hawthorne. Paul loved taking his family camping in the Northern California Redwoods and cherished sharing places from his childhood with them. In recent years, Paul and Carol enjoyed trips to the Oregon coast, Hawaii and fulfilled a life-long dream of Paul’s by traveling to Fenway Park. They enjoyed remembering and laughing about small moments from family trips.
We loved his goofy sense of humor and willingness to enjoy every moment for what it was, big or small. He often reminded us that “these are the good old days.” He valued the memories from international family vacations just as much as times spent hanging out together outdoors.
Paul was an avid Bay Area hiker, and his favorite spots included Mt. Tamalpais and Point Reyes. On a warm day of hiking, nothing made him happier than feeling a “million dollar breeze.” He made sure to say “howdy” to each person he passed on the trail, always remembering the value of any human connection. He relaxed after work by following the Giants, BBQing hamburgers and playing fetch with our yellow lab, Xena.
Paul believed in his ability to fix anything; no repair or rebuild was too big, whether it was around the house, with his dirt bikes or backpacking gear. He generously shared his expertise and time with his family and friends. Paul never stopped learning new skills: He made flies for fly fishing and a shed from scratch for his most precious items. He joyfully nurtured each plant in our backyard even when they were beyond hope.
He was able to find a way to be grateful in any situation, a lesson our family hopes to carry forward. He will be deeply missed.
Paul is survived by his wife, Carol; his two children, Jonathan and Natalie; and his sister, Nancy Hawthorne. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Elaine and John, and his brother, Brad Hawthorne.
A celebration of life for Paul is planned for September. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul’s name to the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation or the UCSF Gordon Murray Caregiver Program.
Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jun. 18, 2022.
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