Obituary of Jerry Leon Hawkins

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jerry Hawkins, on November 19, 2023 peacefully in his home in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 72, four days after his birthday.

Left to cherish Jerry’s memory are his son Leon (Kendall) Hawkins of Surrey, BC, and five grandchildren (Rebecca, Jacob, Matthew, Mackenzie, and William). His siblings Kevin (Bea), Dianne (Bob), Harvey (Sylvia), and Pauline (David). He was predeceased by his parents, George (2003) and Bertha (2015) Hawkins and his youngest brother David Hawkins in 2012.

After leaving his birthplace of Buchans, Newfoundland at the age of 18, Jerry served in the Canadian Armed Forces for a short time, a path his son, and grandson would later take. After serving, Jerry travelled Newfoundland working various jobs, before relocating to Northern Ontario where he lived for nearly 30 years, ultimately settling in Winnipeg over 20 years ago. 

His career spanned many industries and trades, from the fishery, to hospitality and mining, bookkeeping and financial planning, to automotive sales, and retiring as a maintenance helper at Seven Oaks hospital. There wasn’t much he wouldn’t do and was always eager to learn. 

Jerry loved spending time with family and close friends, in particular his ‘bestie’ Kathy McGill. He loved to laugh and reminisce, and spend hours, and sometimes days driving and exploring new regions.  His close family was his bedrock, even when he was adrift. He could go months or years without contact, but would always return to those closest to him, whom he shared the deepest love for. He was especially pleased this year to welcome Ken (Charmaine) Samson into his life, and although they had spent most of his lifetime apart, Jerry was excited to learn more of his new family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Prairie’s Edge Restaurant in Winnipeg on November 30, 2023 at 3PM, with an intimate family event expected in Newfoundland in 2024.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of donations to CancerCare Manitoba.