Each year during Law Day observance in Barry County, the Barry County Law Association presents the Liberty Bell Award to a person who has demonstrated a commitment to the community.

Criteria for the award includes promoting better understanding of the rule of law, encouraging a greater respect for law and the courts, stimulating a sense of civic responsibility and contributing to good government in the community.

 

This year, Dr. Larry Hawkins joins the more than 40 recipients of the award.

Hawkins daughter Rebecca Hawkins introduced her father, saying he taught his four children about their duty to serve the community in all they do by his example. She said they learned at a very young age that his being a doctor meant delaying or cancelling holidays and special outings because someone needed him.

 

He earned the love and respect as a doctor because he gave his patients his full attention and patience when dealing with them; he was totally focused on them, she said.

 

Her father was a doctor for 40 plus years which showed his dedication; he also showed his compassion in his work with hospice. He and their mom Diane, raised four kids, all who give of themselves each and every day, she said.

 

Hawkins was already a doctor when Dr. James Spindler recruited him to work with him. He fell in love with the community. He “sold it” to several other doctors he worked with and they all came to Hastings and joined the medical community here as Thornapple Valley Family Physicians. 

 

He said Diane had a rough time raising four children with his practice and volunteering, but she supported him through the years.  They will celebrate 50 years of marriage in October.

He recalls the people who were part of his many, many endeavors. “Some are here today. I appreciate that.”

 

“I asked myself, ‘Why me? How did I get here?’  It’s because I surrounded myself with really good people, skilled people, great staff…”On behalf of all the people in such a wonderful community and the wonderful physicians who all taught me so much, I’ll accept this on their behalf.”

Photos:

(top left) Dr. Larry Hawkins speaks on Law Day.

 

(top right) Barry County Bar Association President Robert Byington presents the Liberty Bell Award to Dr. Larry Hawkins.

 

(middle left) Dr. Larry Hawkins and wife Diane greet their old friend Dr. James Spindler at Law Day ceremonies.

 

(bottom left) Gathered for a photo with Liberty Bell Award winner Larry Hawkins after the presentation are (from left) daughters Sarah Freiberg and Rebecca Hawkins, wife Diane Hawkins, J-Ad Graphics Editor and keynote speaker Rebecca Pierce, Hawkins, Barry County Bar Association president Robert Byington, Hastings City Attorney Stephanie Fekkes and Chief Judge of Barry County Courts, William Doherty.