Robert ‘Bob’ Hawken
September 10, 2019
Peacefully and surrounded by the love of his family, at his home in Grand Bend, on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, Robert ‘Bob’ Hawken in his 88th year. Beloved husband of Joan (née McWhirter) for 62 years. Loving father of Randy (Cheryl), Susan Wilson (Bud), Chris, and Kathy (Michel Roy). Proud Grandpa of Kyle, Amy, Lauren, Sarah, Alex, Taylor and Natalie, and Great-Grandpa of Dylan and Aldyn.
Bob was well respected for many years as Sheriff and Court Registrar in London. He coached hockey for Oakridge including Ontario Championship teams. He was a sportsman and competitor in bowling and golf, and the best fan the Leafs and Indians could have. He served as President of Oakwood Park Association. Bob and Joan loved their retirement in Grand Bend.
Cremation has taken place and a private family interment of ashes will be held. A memorial reception will be held on Friday, October 11, 2019; please drop by anytime between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the home of Randy and Cheryl, 554 Waterloo Street, London. Food and refreshments will be served. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bob are asked to consider Grand Bend Community Foundation.
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Dear Kathy, Deepest sympathies and my prayers are with you and your family. May his soul rest in peace! Walter
Joan and family, please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in my prayers. Jane McWhirter
Joan, Art & I saddened to hear of Bob's passing. We fondly remember the wonderful visits we had with Mom & Dad when you lived in Port Stanley. Our thoughts are with you & your family at this difficult time.
Joan and family: Heather and I were saddened to read of Bob's passing. The Hawken family have played a large part in our lives. When heather had Morissa, Bob and Joan were the first to visit her in hospital and she still has the bunny they brought with them. I would not be the success i am (if I am successful!) were it not for Bob. He was not only a friend but also a mentor as he was to so many during his years at the Court house. Bob always had time for people especially young lawyers. Many a morning we would cross the street to have a morning coffee at Bill's. We would solve the problems of the world and Bob would explain to me why this was the year of the Leafs and the Browns! This year he just might be right and I am sure he is keeping rack of their progress from above. I don't think I ever heard Bob speak a word in anger. His calm and reassuring manner was one of his greatest characteristics. He will be missed and I thank him for all that he meant to me over the years. Heather and I are going to try and come to the Bend on Friday. I have been ill all summer including a lengthy hospital stay but I am in the mend and if my progress continues, we will be there to pay our respects. I hope the Hawken family is strengthened at this time by all the fond memories of happy times together. You are all in our prayers. MML
(Donated to Grand Bend Community Foundation)
(Donated to Grand Bend Community Foundation)
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Mr. Hawken had a big influence on my life as a kid and also with many others. I cherish the times as kid on the Oakridge hockey teams when I played for Bob (with Chris) and with my own dad (also Bob) being the other coach. I often think about it and fondly recall 'Big Bob'' standing on the bench at Oakridge arena with one leg stretched to the boards towering over all when he coached.. he was a classic. Those were great times. Bob will be missed. Condolences to the Hawken family. Mike Geddes
~ Mike Geddes