''That was not just for his engineering skills and achievements, but also his work in the community outside of that work. And his fostering and development of the careers of other engineers,'' he said.
''It was his peers and the much wider community that recognised him.''
Mr Hawthorn was recently involved in the About Time ball clock sculpture that is hoped to be constructed at Whangarei Town Basin.
''Right through his career the community, present and former staff at Hawthorn Geddes, the engineering industry and wider community, will remember him for his work, dedication and as a wonderful, caring man.
Long-time Whangarei District Councillor Crichton Christie sat on the council with Mr Hawthorn from 1992 to 1995.
Mr Christie is holidaying overseas and was saddened to hear Mr Hawthorn had passed away.
"Malcolm was a pleasure to work with on the council. He was practical and with his engineering background he brought to council a sense of professionalism. He was also part of the Whangarei Lions Club with me and will be sorely missed,"
Mr Christie said.
It was incorrectly stated in Thursday's Northern Advocate that Mr Hawthorn was an architect and director of Hawthorn Geddes.
