Aug 5, 1927 - Mar 14, 2013
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Arthur John Hawkes on March 14, 2013 at Chilliwack General Hospital with his family by his side. Arthur was born in Pointe du Bois, Manitoba, the youngest of four boys. At age 17, he volunteered to serve with the Canadian Army Engineers, Canadian Technical Training Corps, from 1944-45. From 1946-1975 he served with the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. His military career was unique in two ways: first, he was “commissioned from the ranks,” which is a testament to his commitment, diligence, hard work and traditional values. He was promoted from sergeant to flight lieutenant at CFB Gimli. He retired as a Major, and was base supply officer at CFS Baldy Hughes, B.C., CFS Alsask, SK, and lastly here at CFB Chilliwack. Second, he was a ‘boy soldier,’ who volunteered to serve in WWII. After retiring from the Forces, he served 15 years with the Canadian Penitentiary Service at Matsqui, BC. Since his second retirement, he volunteered for 25 years with the federal government’s Volunteer Tax Preparation Program for low income seniors. He also volunteered for Crimestoppers. Arthur’s first love was his wife Marie. Married in Calgary in 1949, they recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. They met when he was stationed at CFB Calgary and Marie worked as a telephone switchboard operator there. Arthur’s second love was his family and friends. He stayed in regular touch with everyone, either in person or by phone. He loved to sit in his garden and entertain. His third love was his backyard filled with sculpted hedges, rose bushes, flowering trees and grapevines. Arthur leaves behind his wife Marie, and their four children: Kirk (Valerie), Brad (Lorraine), Kal and Sandra; and grandchildren: Kara, Sarah, and Stephen, as well as aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Arthur wasn’t one who desired a posthumous celebration. Instead, he celebrated his life each day with a generosity of spirit and enthusiasm that was unique to him, and an inspiration to us all. Heartfelt thanks are extended to the Emergency staff at Chilliwack General Hospital for their compassio
nate and professional care.