Fundraiser started for memorial to honor county employee Doug Hawk

Published on January 10, 2020 

 A memorial designed to celebrate the life, work and memory of a Placer County team member and friend, Doug Hawk, is in the works — but help is needed to make that happen. 

Doug worked as senior architect with the county’s Capital Improvements Division of the Facilities Management Department for 20 years before passing away in 2017.

He provided critical leadership and management in the planning and implementation of dozens of facilities projects throughout the county, including the Community Development Resource Center.

“Doug was highly respected by all who had the privilege of working with him,” said Placer County Facilities Management Director Steve Newsom. “His knowledge, experience and leadership were artfully punctuated with wit and insight.”

In Doug’s memory and to celebrate his significant contributions to the county, the Doug Hawk Memorial Grove will be installed at the Community Development Resource Center in North Auburn. 

The memorial will include a granite marker and three new shade trees to replace a mature silver maple tree that died and was removed from the main landscape area in front of the building. 

For many, Doug’s name conjures remembrance of a kind, courageous, brilliant human being whose contributions are ingrained into Placer County’s legacy.

“Doug was a great friend and coworker,” said now-retired Placer County Department of Facilities Management Capital Improvements Manager Rob Unholz. “As a member of the Capital Improvements team, he made a positive, professional and enduring contribution to Placer County’s built environment.”

In addition to CDRC, some of Doug’s major projects also included the Tahoe Administration Building and Finance Administration Building.

“He put his heart and soul into projects,” said Placer County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters Ryan Ronco. “I loved being able to work with him and I’m glad there will be a memorial to honor his contributions to the county.”

Doug was also instrumental in the Placer County Administrative Center and Domes Annex tenant improvements, and dozens of capital improvements projects, tenant improvements and remodels throughout the county.

Board of Supervisors Chief of Staff Teri Ivaldi recalls working with Doug on the Domes remodel. “Doug always went above and beyond what was expected. He created a warm and receptive environment for our staff and customers alike.

“Doug was such a sweet human being. Always happy and positive – you always wanted to be around him.”

In August of last year, the Board of Supervisors approved a staff proposal for the memorial, allowing the project to move forward with funding from private contributions. 

A GoFundMe page, available here, is now accepting contributions to raise funds for the memorial; as all costs associated with planning, coordination, materials, equipment, installation and labor will only be covered through donations and volunteers.