John Hawken Obituary
He was born in Bournemouth, England but spent most of his formative years in Weybridge Surrey before moving his family to the United States first settling in Perth Amboy, NJ, and then residing in Metuchen since 1989.
John was an accomplished musician, performing with many great bands over the years -- the Nashville Teens, Renaissance, Third World War, Vinegar Joe, Illusion, and the Strawbs, the last of which garnered him a gold record for Hero & Heroine released in 1974. He had the amazing opportunity to tour many different countries from 1962-1979 playing with various rock bands and was once quoted as saying "I don't feel the need to talk about it much because I was there, I lived it". He was an accomplished artist as well and could often be found sketching people while sitting across from them in a restaurant or coffee shop. John was an avid chess player (ranked #14 in England as a youth), cribbage player, and was forever solving crossword puzzles -- the Sunday NY Times was his favorite and he always managed to finish it.
He was predeceased by his step-brother, Ian Hewlett.
John leaves behind his two beloved sons, Jody A. Hawken of Edison and Barnaby J. Hawken of Mt Olive along with his wife, Jennifer and his 2 children, Bella Anne Hawken and Greyson Barnaby John Hawken; his sister, Fiona Sands of Hersham, England; and the mother of his children, Alexandra "Sam" Hawken of Highland Park.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. at the Flynn and Son / Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Ave. Metuchen, NJ 08840.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of John C. Hawken, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill Mattison
May 7, 2025
I've just become aware of John's passing, nearly one year ago. I met John Hawken at a Strawbs concert some years ago in Sellersville, PA. He was a very pleasant gentleman and seemed quite impressed that I was familiar with his work in the original line-up of the band Renaissance. He mentioned that he maintained close connections with Jane Relf, Louis Cennamo and Jim McCarty, often seeing them on visits to his native U.K. My encounter with John was brief but memorable, and I was sorry to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family.
Brian Peters
June 19, 2024
Very sorry to hear of John's passing. From the first time he visited my Wine and Spirits store in Trumansburg, NY about 4 years ago, I felt as if we were long time friends. I mailed him my band's new release in January 2023, and was thrilled to get a call from him, telling me what he enjoyed from it as he broke it down track by track.
I am very proud and honored to consider him amongst my musical friendships. Anyone would be lucky to accomplish a fraction of what he did professionally, and always a true gentleman.
Rest easy, my friend.
Kevin (Marty) Wozniak
May 27, 2024
I met him a few times at Aarius Studio. We talked about the work be had done and the people he played with. I think he deserves to be in the rock & roll Hall of Fame more than some people who are there. He founded Renaissance and influenced their sound even after he had left the band. Extraordinary talent. John was the nicest, most warn and engaging person, who epitomized the English Gentleman. I was honored to meet him, and I am saddened by his passing. I will never forget him. R.I.P John, you were one of the greats.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
eric
May 26, 2024
Excellent musician who added much class to any project he was involved with. I always admired his playing skills on the various albums he appeared on I have in my collection. A musician friend of mine met him several times and said he was nothing but a gentlemen. May he RIP.
Joan Fontana
May 23, 2024
Rest in peace John, it was a pleasure to meet you and I hope you keep playing the keyboard in the lords loving presents.
Joseph Oleck
May 22, 2024
I met John at Brewed Awakenings coffee shop many years ago. I sat memorized asking John about his days playing and his incredible stories. John told them with such passion and humor. I could listen to his English accent for hours. I couldn't believe the first hand accounts of playing with the Beatles and knowing the WHO...etc...I was thinking...this is the closest I'll ever get to knowing these legends. John was so humble, and always had time to chat. We laughed at Monty Python sketchers, which John told 'spot on' word for word in classic English accent. John sketched a caricature of me once on a napkin...I'm thinking , is there anything this guy can't do! I'm glad I was able to pick John up at Newark Airport one time as he came in, like 12 or 1 am from a gig he had on a cruise ship I believe. John was a great, talented, gentle, caring soul...I'm praying Jesus welcomed him to Heaven . I'll miss you John, and our chats.
Joe Oleck
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
319 Amboy Ave., Metuchen, NJ 08840
Make a Donation
in John Hawken's name
People and places connected with John
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Hawken's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
