Obituary of Robert John Hawkins

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Robert John Hawkins announce his peaceful passing at the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre on March 30, 2023 at the age of 76 years after a short and courageous battle with brain cancer. Beloved husband and soul mate of Brenda (Preyma) Hawkins and loving father to son, Thomas (Rachel) and step-daughter, Julie Kreddig. Special Grandfather to Sean and Sarah Hawkins and Ella Langley. Best of buds with his brother, Paul Hawkins. Cherished son-in-law of Julie Preyma and treasured brother-in- law to Barbara Preyma, Robert & Susan Wood, Nick & Stacey Preyma and Dan & Marian Michlouski. He’ll also be remembered and sadly missed by many friends, nieces, nephews and cousins in Canada and abroad. Predeceased by his daughter, Marie Hawkins; parents, Edmund and Molly Hawkins; sister-in-law, Helene Hawkins and father-in-law Nick Preyma. Also predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy, mother of his 2 children. Born in London, England, on May 29, 1946, Rob was educated at Smallberry Green School. As a youngster he spent many hours on the back of his brother’s motorcycle exploring the English countryside and plane spotting at airports. In his younger years Rob also had a passion for steam trains and red double decker busses. After graduation he embarked on an apprenticeship to become a motor vehicle mechanic. After completion, Rob immigrated to Edmonton in 1968 bringing with him only his tools and his love of cars. He quickly made a name for himself as a sports car mechanic as well as a serious driver among the racing and rallying circuit that spanned over 3 decades. How he loved to drive! He launched Hawkins Auto Service in 1976 and continued working throughout his life repairing and restoring British Sports cars. Rob had a reputation as a knowledgeable authority on all matters related to vintage sports cars, and he was always ready to give a hand and share his vast knowledge to anyone in need. Throughout his years he took in many car shows, either as an exhibitor or a spectator. It was a great chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones. He was also a frequent observer at any air show he could attend, usually with his son or brother. After only a year or two living in Edmonton, Rob’s passion for old planes sent him on his first long drive in his old VW Beetle from Edmonton to Northern BC, a 2000-mile round trip that was quite an adventure. In 2004 he married his soul mate Brenda, and he and his entire family were welcomed by her large extended family as truly one of their own. In 2005 Rob and Brenda relocated to Whitecourt, where he continued his trade and made many new friends. His love of aircraft prompted him to become a volunteer for the Wings over Whitecourt Air Shows. He later became a proud volunteer with the Friends of Whitecourt Society and was part of the Thursday night crew at the Repeat Boutique testing anything with a cord or batteries. All for a good cause, he loved giving back doing whatever he could. Rob was a warm, gentle soul. A positive ray of light who always made a person feel appreciated and loved. His friendly smiles would light up a room, always thankful and grateful for those he knew and what he had in his life. Never shy to give you a hug, he was good natured, friendly, respectful and outgoing. He had a great sense of humour. Rob was always the happiest when spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. We were blessed to have him in our lives. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jane, MRPCN, Whitecourt Cancer & Wellness, UofA hospital, Cross Cancer, Whitecourt Healthcare Centre, Whitecourt Home Care and our family and friends for the care and compassion given to us on our journey. Cremation has taken place, with a Celebration of Rob’s Life to be held on Saturday August 5, 2023 at the Hawkins acreage in Whitecourt, Alberta.