Thomas Arthur Hawley, 75, Fridley, MN, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2023, at Mercy Hospital, Coon Rapids, from cancer.

Thomas A. Hawley was born November 5, 1947, the son of George and Opal (Severson) Hawley in Minot, ND. He was raised in Minot and spent summers at the family cabin at Lake Metigoshe, where he was a star performer in waterskiing shows. 

Tom graduated from Minot High School in 1965. He briefly attended the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks for business administration and later the Control Data Institute where he completed training in computer technology. Tom was married to Linda (Welle) from 1970 to 1991, and they had two children, Annie and Jeff. 

Tom’s career involved work in sales, marketing, and customer service. Most notably, he was employed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation for 22 years where he formed lifelong friendships, including with Jeff Usem and Ed Cannon.

Tom was quick witted and had a wry sense of humor. He was also soft hearted at times and surprisingly sentimental, squirreling away mementos and amassing a treasure trove of family photos. Tom adored his children and grandchildren, and he reveled in their accomplishments. Tom never missed calling or sending a card on a birthday or holiday, and he cherished those he received in return. 

Tom devoted his time to the simple things in life. He was an avid reader and loved watching golf and the Minnesota Twins on television, listening to music (especially Jimmy Buffet), trips to the pool, mixing bowl-sized servings of ice cream, and relaxing on a bench outside, visiting with neighbors and enjoying the sunshine. 

Tom was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Hawley; parents, George and Opal Hawley; sisters, Pat and Cynthia; maternal grandparents, Ole and Julia Severson; and paternal grandparents, Chuck and Hazel Hawley.

Surviving family include his daughter, Ann Marie (Brian) Gorgas; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Maxwell, Luna, Owen, and Miles; and brothers, Major General (Retired) Bryan (Marlene) Hawley, Craig Hawley, and Todd Hawley.

Tom is loved and will be missed.