Tony HAWKINS

It was the irrepressible Tony Hawkins who was mostly responsible for me heading to teach at Bethlehem College. Always cheerful, always challenging us to teach with a biblical worldview, always supportive and inspiring. He was a humble leader and worthy of honour.

Tony Hawkins was my Maths and scripture teacher and i have fond memories of a Godly man who taught his subjects with authority and passion, passion to serve Jesus in all he did. He was also my combi driver and he taught us all to sing scripture songs one which still sticks with me "He owns the Cattle on a thousand Hill....." He also loved to play soccer and was fiercely competitive. Above all he was a man who loved the Lord and shared that love with many.

I first met Tony and Kathleen when Tony was the speaker at a Celebration Singers camp at Living Springs in the late 70s. From that first meeting, they went on to be very special friends and "spiritual parents" to me. Tony made very determined efforts to get me to Bethlehem College to work in the library there, however, I had returned from mission service in Pakistan to be nearer my Dad after Mum died and I realised that I wouldn't have been any more support to Dad if I lived in Tauranga...

A wonderful and inspirational teaching colleague. A gracious brother in Christ. Tony's contribution to Christian education in general and in particular MGS and Bethlehem College was significant. I have great memories of teaching mathematics in adjacent classrooms and sharing the same office. Fun and Christian fellowship with Tony will always be fond memories. Well done good and faithful servant, enjoy your Lord forever.

Mr Hawkins - a brilliant, kindhearted, man of God. What a treasure he was to those around him. I honour him and thank the Lord for the gift he was to me (and my family) during my days at Bethlehem College. This is not goodbye, but rather see you later. To his family - May God comfort you and give you peace as you celebrate a beautiful life and enjoy the memories of time past.

We honour the memory of both Tony and Kathleen, two of the Lord's special people. Tony was most significant in the early days of Bethlehem College and we pay tribute to his rich contribution. A special thank you for introducing Jeanette to the web site of blueletterbible.

A great maths teacher - very funny, and effective, in his teaching - and as my friend's Dad, he was also kind, generous, and fun - I especially remember an "icecream crawl" in their old white and gold Holden Kingswood. Happy memories. RIP Tony

One of the most gracious people I ever had the privilege to know and work with. Gone home to the Lord so we will meet again. Reunited with Kathleen. Both such special friends who are missed. My sincere condolences to the family.

I discovered I could understand maths and get good results in High School, thanks to Mr Hawkins teaching. He was inspirational. Many in our class punched above their weight in maths with his teaching. I was in the same class as Paul. My thoughts are with his family at this time.