Some people leave behind accomplishments. Others leave behind a way of being that continues to guide and inspire. David Hawkins, known to many as “The Rock,” did both.

David was steady, grounded, and deeply dependable. People turned to him for honesty, perspective, and practical wisdom. When he saw potential in someone, he didn’t simply offer encouragement, he invested in them. He mentored others, showed up when it mattered, and gave his time, which he considered his most precious commodity.

Of all the successes in his life, David was most grateful for the love he shared with his wife, Debbie. He often described their marriage with a phrase that captured his view of life: “One plus one equals three.” To David, true partnership created something greater than the two people within it.

Even while facing the final chapter of his life, David remained focused on helping others. He believed that even in life’s most difficult moments there is still an opportunity to create something meaningful that reaches beyond one’s own life.

Even while facing the final chapter of his life, David remained focused on helping others. He believed that even in life’s most difficult moments there is still an opportunity to create something meaningful that reaches beyond one’s own life.

David became the first participant in Legacy Therapy at the Center for Psycho-Oncology Care, a reflective, narrative process inspired by Dr. Harvey Chochinov’s Dignity Therapy. It invites individuals facing serious illness to share their story, reflect on their values, and leave meaningful messages for the people they love.

David agreed to participate with one condition: that his story be used to help others. He hoped it would encourage fellow cancer patients to speak openly, reflect on what mattered most, and find gratitude even in the hardest moments. But David’s vision went further. He believed that his story could help inspire something larger, something that could support others walking the difficult road of cancer.

Through conversations, reflection, and his own generous spirit, David helped guide the early steps that would bring that vision to life. He believed in the vision and mission of Gratitude Works -one that would help cancer patients, survivors, and families receive compassionate support during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

In July 2025, two months before his passing, that vision became reality with the incorporation of Gratitude Works. And this is where David’s belief that “one plus one equals three” becomes more than a beautiful description of love. It becomes a philosophy and a way of life. When people come together in gratitude, vision, and service, they create a ripple effect far beyond what they could imagine. That is what David believed, and how he lived.

David’s grateful spirit and legacy are written into the mission of Gratitude Works. Through his example, he showed us how to love more deeply, give more generously, speak more truthfully, and live with a mindset rooted in gratitude.

We move forward in his honor, with a commitment to help the countless individuals, survivors, and families who will benefit from the work inspired by The Rock.