JOHN C. HAWKES

With love and wonderful memories, we celebrate the life of John C. Hawkes who passed away July 17, 2024 at the age of 72 years old.

John leaves to mourn his wife of 53 years Melanie; daughter Laura (John) Hawkes; son Duane (Michelle) Hawkes. He was also a very proud grandfather to his granddaughter, Danae. He also leaves to mourn his brother Alan (Jennifer); and sister Valerie (Albert) who he thought the world of. He had three brothers in laws, Bruce, Larry, and Craig Scott; as well as many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents, Val and Eileen Hawkes; his father and mother-in-law, Gordon and May Scott; and his brother-in-law Albert.

John was born in Pointe Du Bois, Manitoba, the youngest of three children to Val and Eileen Hawkes. John attended grade school in Pointe du Bois, and went on to complete high school in Lac Du Bonnet, Mb. Everyone in the town, particularly the instructors, knew who John was because he was a well-known troublemaker and jokester.

John started working during high school summers in Pointe Du Bois for Winnipeg Hydro in 1970 and then to term employment as a laborer. In 1972, John married his high school sweetheart Melanie Scott. In 1973 they moved to Winnipeg where John worked at the Winnipeg Hydro Steam Plant. He then changed jobs to Patrolman and retired as lead Patrolman in 2000 after working 30 years of service.

John celebrated his retirement with his family which was his pride & joy in life. His life revolved around his family; he enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them over meals and watching football (Blue Bombers) or hockey games (Winnipeg Jets & Toronto Maple Leafs). John’s face would light up with joy whenever his granddaughter or kids visited, always ready to spoil them with some candy or good old jokes. In return, they would sometimes have to "fix" all of his technological gadgets because it was undoubtedly not John's area of expertise.

John and Melanie always had animals throughout their life. John loved having a dog as a walking companion until his last dogs Flossie and Mr. Tibbs passed away. His latest pal was his daughters dog Leroy, the Bernese Mountain dog. Leroy would frequently visit John at Riverview where everyone enjoyed his goofy presence. Leroy sure misses his grandpa and all the extra treats he would get.

His one and only grandchild, Danae, was born in January 2001 and she immediately became the apple of his eye. He went with a great sense of pride in all that she had accomplished.

John was a friendly man who enjoyed making people laugh and making friends wherever he went. He constantly watched out for everyone and made sure everyone in the room was happy no matter what. Whether it was by stretching the truth, making jokes and playing many pranks on his friends and family, or acting as the neighborhood "security watch." Even up to his passing, the jokes never stopped even with the nurses in Riverview Health Centre.

His love for the outdoors started at a very young age. From working outside on his truck which then extended to camping and fishing where he could enjoy some peace and quiet in nature. From traveling across Canada, camping across the USA with his wife & granddaughter or driving to Florida with his wife and kids with just a pop-up trailer, he was sure an ambitious man. In the winter, John and Melanie would take holidays to Mexico and come back to go camping all summer long at Birds Hill Park in Chipping Bay. John was known for having a beautiful soul who touched many people in his life with his kindness and caring attitude.

John said goodbye to us at Riverview Health Centre after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed in his wife's arms with the rest of his family saying goodbye hours prior. An immense thank you to the staff of Riverview Health Centre- Unit 3East Palliative Care. The incredible care and compassion he received is hugely appreciated. We now call it the “loving ward”. As well as all the support and compassion shown to all of us as we moved thru the constant changing rollercoaster of an ending, John sure left his mark on everyone that works there. We would also like to thank Ethical Care for all your support through this hard time.

Cremation has taken place. As per Johns request, a private family celebration will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be sent to the Winnipeg Humane Society in his memory.

Your fight is over now my angel, as exhausting as the fight was, I hope it's rewarding in Heaven.

Until we meet again.

"If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again."

John’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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