Gay softball league loses two players
By Jen Colletta
PGN Staff Writer
© 2007 Philadelphia Gay News

The City of Brotherly Love Softball League suffered the deaths of two members within the past several weeks.

Clark J. Hawes 4th began playing in 1993 for the Westbury team and was later a social member of the 12th Air Command, Philadelphia Wolves and Key West Wolves teams. Hawes was 61. Bob Terry started with the league in 1997 and played for the 12th Air Command and the Philadelphia Wolves teams. Terry was 46.

Several years ago, the 12th Air Command team became independent under the name the Philadelphia Wolves and two years ago merged with the Key West team to become the Key West Wolves. Both men stayed active with the teams during these transitions.

Eric Holliday, secretary of CBLSL, noted that both Hawes and Terry were valuable players and friends whose presence in the league won’t be forgotten.

“Both of them went well above and beyond what two people in the league normally give,” Holliday said.

Clark J. Hawes 4th

Known to loved ones as “Chip,” Hawes was a Vietnam veteran and extensive traveler.

Hawes died Nov. 14 of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

He was born on Feb. 28, 1946, in Doylestown to Elinor Hawes and the late Clark J. Hawes 3d. He graduated from Central Bucks High School in 1964 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly thereafter. After his four-year tour of Vietnam, Hawes graduated from Shippensburg State College in just three years.

He worked as a salesman at W.W. Grainger and then Universal Motors. Hawes enjoyed traveling to such locations as India, China, Greece, Italy and Australia.

At the time of his death, he lived in Philadelphia with his dog, Misty.

A funeral service was held for Hawes Nov. 21 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Doylestown.

Hawes is survived by his siblings and in-laws, Stephen Hawes and Marvin Crawford of Erwinna; Patricia Hawes of Lansdale; Michael Hawes and Pamela Bass Hawes of Ivyland; Susan Hawes Stewart of Washington, D.C., and Lawrence Hawes of Doylestown, as well as several nieces and nephews.

“He was a quiet man, but probably one of the most kind and considerate people I ever knew,” Hawes’ brother Stephen said.

Holliday said although Hawes no longer played in the league, he was still an active social member.

“Even though Clarky stopped playing, he was definitely still involved in the league,” Holliday said. “He always contributed money or something else and still went to all the functions. He had a great sense of humor and always made people laugh.”

“Clark was a very kind person. He was always willing to help when someone needed it,” CBLSL member Matt Sullivan said. “My ex-lover was down on his luck and Clark took him in so he could get himself back on his feet. When my father passed away, Clark was there when I needed a shoulder to cry on. He just sat there and listened, which was very helpful. I will miss him very much. Happy Hour will not be as happy anymore without Clark there.”

Bob Terry

Terry was a teacher, who recently left his career to care for his elderly parents.

His body was found Oct. 9 in Benjamin Rush State Park after he committed suicide by hanging.

Terry was born June 24, 1961, in Philadelphia to Robert and the late Madeline Terry. He graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School for Boys in 1979 and four years later received his teaching degree from East Stroudsburg University. His sister, Maryanne Betz, said he was the first in his family to graduate from college.

Terry taught in the City of Philadelphia public-school system and lifeguarded in the summer for years until his mother became sick. Terry had been living with his partner in the Parkwood section of Philadelphia, but in 2000 moved in with his parents to look after his mother.

“My mom got sick and needed care that my dad couldn’t really provide because he was working at the time also,” Terry’s brother Gary said. “So Bobby took care of my mother and then when she passed away my dad became ill, so he took care of him, too.”

Betz said Terry enjoyed visiting Rehoboth Beach in the summer with friends, but in recent years, because of obligations to his parents, wasn’t able to go as much as he would have liked.

Terry was cremated on Oct. 11 and the family held a private memorial service Oct. 20.

Terry is survived by his father Robert; brothers Gary of Pitman, N.J.; and Dennis of Laurel Springs, N.J.; and sisters Betz of Philadelphia and Karen Leonard of Chester County.

In addition, Terry had 10 nieces and nephews.

“He was always teaching them,” Betz said. “He loved his nieces and nephews to death.”

“He was very family-oriented and just loved kids,” Gary said.

Holliday said Terry, who played shortstop, was named MVP of the CBLSL twice during his 10 years of play.

“Bob was one of the best shortstops we had in the C division. He hit a lot of homeruns and always got on base,” Holliday said. “He never missed any games at all and was just a very good guy.”

Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.