Robert Campbell Hawkes

Robert (Bob) Campbell Hawkes passed away peacefully on Saturday January 27th, 2018 in his home at Abbotsford's Hallmark on the Lake at the age of 94 ½.

Bob is survived by his wife Doris of 72 years, their five children, Christopher (Sherrie), Craig (Inese), David (Marlene), Susan (Mark), Wendy (Jamie), thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Bob is also survived by his sister Patricia and brother Doug.

Bob was born in Toronto in 1923 to Robert and Phyllis (Stone). At 3 months of age his family moved to Vancouver where he spent his youth. He volunteered to serve in World War II, earning his flying wings at age 19. Bob flew many campaigns for the RCAF bomber command earning several medals for his service including a DFC, Distinguished Flying Cross. His heroic efforts in WWII also earned him an induction into Ottawa's Hall of Valor.

While overseas Bob met Doris, who was with the RCAF W Debs entertainment troupe. They married in London on December 29, 1945 and eventually settled in Vancouver where they had three sons, Chris, Craig and Dave. Bob worked for CP Transport for many years and became Western Regional Manager and President of BC Trucking Association. In 1961 Bob and Doris and family moved to Maple Ridge to have a country life and expanded their family with daughters Susan and Wendy.

Bob coached and refereed football and also became President of the Maple Ridge Figure Skating Club.
He was very artistic and for years with the help of other skating fathers, designed and painted the backdrops for the Club's Annual Carnivals. He was also an avid gardener and loved to show off his towering tomato plants that flourished in his greenhouse. Bob and Doris lived in Maple Ridge for 32 years. In 1993 upon retirement they moved to Mission where they remained until 2011, when they moved to Abbotsford's Hallmark on the Lake.

Bob (Papa, Gramps) loved his family and friends and lived life to the fullest. He had a big presence and loved to tell stories to anyone who would listen. We will all miss him greatly and cherish all the wonderful
times we had together.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday February 17th, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, 12101 224th Street, Maple Ridge, B.C. Reception will follow with food and refreshments.