William Vernon Hawkes

William "Vernon" Hawkes, 96, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday May 17, 2025 at South Shore Regional Hospital.

Born in West Caledonia NS, he was the son of the late Richard and Grace (Crouse) Hawkes.

Vernon held various jobs early on, including woodsman, Co-op Market manager, and floor finisher, but spent most of his career as a salesperson. As a traveling salesman, he enjoyed socializing and formed many lasting friendships. Later, he worked as a carpenter at Stenpro, taking great pride in his accomplishments. Vernon was a member of St. Gregory Roman Catholic Church and volunteered as a fireman for 17 years.

In his earlier years, he had a passion for various activities, including hunting, fishing, playing pool, volleyball, darts, bowling, square dancing, camping, and spending time at the cottage. As he grew older, his interests shifted towards gardening, playing pool, and working in his workshop, where he crafted items such as quilt bars, Adirondack chairs, washer toss games, armoires, and window boxes. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to his children's projects. He enjoyed playing cards and was always up for a game with family and friends, remaining an avid crib player even in his 90s. A friendly rivalry existed between him and his wife over who won the most crib games. He cherished time spent with his great-granddaughter Estelle, particularly playing OLD MAID together. He had a deep appreciation for nature, spending time in the woods, and was an enthusiastic bird watcher, often referring to unidentified birds as 'filly-loo birds,' a tradition carried on by his grandchildren. His great sense of humor, storytelling, and heartfelt hugs will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Vernon is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joyce (Tupper) and daughters Donna (Mike) West Conquerall Mills; Deb (Rob Inness) Mahone Bay; sons Paul (Valerie) Liverpool and Patrick (Montreal); grandchildren Brennan (Jonelle) West; Caitlin (Chris) Veinot; Simon Inness (Robyn); Bronwyn Inness (Christian); Christopher Hawkes; and Abbey Hawkes (Andrew); great granddaughter, Estelle West; brothers Robert (Mildred) West Caledonia; sisters Irene Murray of Wilmington Mass and Evelyna (Gerald) MacQuarrie of Pleasant River.

Besides his parents, Vernon was predeceased by sisters, Eleanor Donnellan, Marie Rowter and Elizabeth Weagle, and brothers, Herman, Gerald, Ray, Arthur, Paul and Fred.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS. Funeral service will be held June 23rd at 1:00pm at St Gregory's Roman Catholic Church in Liverpool with Father Keith Billard officiating. Reception to follow at St Gregory Church Rectory. Internment to follow at a later date at St Jerome's Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choice, but more importantly give a big hug to the important people in your life. Online condolences may be made below.