Bob Hawkins Sr., founder of Harvest House Publishers and a real follower of Jesus, went to Heaven last Tuesday, February 9. I met Bob Sr. years ago and thought the world of him, as did nearly everyone, I think. I am sorrowing with Bob's family and rejoicing with them, too.
His son Bob Jr. sent out an e-mail following his dad's death:
It is with much sadness, but also with greater joy, that I write this morning to inform you that my father, RH “Bob” Hawkins Sr., has graduated from this life and is now at home with his Lord and Savior. After a long and arduous struggle with Parkinson’s disease, he died peacefully late last night, Tuesday, February 9, at 10:57 pm.
Bob dedicated his life to “helping the hurts of people.” Professionally, this passion was accomplished in the selling, marketing, publishing, and distribution of Bibles and Christian books—an intense focus which had profound and far-reaching impact. Personally, Bob expressed his calling in his absolutely compelling desire to invest in, mentor, care for, and give to others—making a deep and lasting impression on the great many lives he touched.
Known as a confident visionary and enterprising entrepreneur within the Christian publishing industry, Bob played a key supportive role in helping authors impact millions of lives by sharing Christ’s love through the thousands of books he published and sold with unparalleled passion. He had the honor and privilege of launching the amazing publishing careers of the likes of Dr. James Dobson, Dr. D. James Kennedy, Dr. Tim and Beverly LaHaye, Emilie Barnes, and so many others. Considered the marketing genius behind the green padded edition of The Living Bible, he later went on to become the founder of Harvest House Publishers, now a 35-year-old company.
Bob was a loving husband, an inspiring father, and a cheerleading grandfather.
Bob Jr., I look forward to sitting next to your dad at a banquet on the New Earth and getting to know him better. May the sovereign God of grace be with your family as with tears and laughter you celebrate your dad’s life and join our Lord in saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” May it be said one day to (and of) each of us as well.