WEST BRANCH – It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our special, wonderful and caring father, grandfather, and husband on Sunday, May 10th, 2015, at the age of 68.
Donald Marshal Gordon “Chip” Hawken, Jr. was born December 21, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri. A man of many talents, Don was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he learned to love adventuring in the outdoors at a very young age. At 22, he was drafted by the American military for service in Vietnam. After returning, Don met his life-long friend, Charlie Kennedy, and began learning carpentry and mechanics. During that time in Tacoma Park, Maryland, Don also met his true love, Patricia Rose Pilla and, together with others, immigrated to Canada on April 14, 1977 to build their home in Nova Scotia. Don quickly made a reputation in the community as a generous and helpful man who had a kind word for everyone he met. First working as a carpenter, then at a fence post mill in West Branch, Don retired as Head Scaler at the stud wood mill in Scotsburn, where he worked happily for 15 years. He enjoyed reading, carving, Saturday morning breakfast with friends, feeding the birds, and waging war on squirrels. He was a life-long collector of Tom Swift books and, more recently, an avid supporter of women’s roller derby. Those who spent time with him will not forget the many “punny” jokes shared and his warmth and kindness towards others. We feel blessed to have had him as long as we did but selfishly feel it was too short. He, in turn, also felt so blessed to have spent his life in Nova Scotia with his loving family. Don lived his vision and philosophy of life to the fullest in Nova Scotia. It was his end of the rainbow.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Lois and Donald Hawken and his mother-in-law, Mary Pilla.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Patricia Rose; his children, Emily, Christianne (Hendrik), Jane (Garth); and his son, Sam; his brother, Dan and sister, Sarah; his grandchildren: Dexter, Neville and Lewis. He will be especially missed by his dear friends, John and Melinda McDowell, Ben Otter, and Charlie Kennedy.
Our deepest appreciation and gratitude for the care and comfort the doctors and staff gave to Don and his family; with special mention to the resuscitation team and nurses including Janet MacLeod and Seth Burrill and ICU nurses, Adele Budge and Julie MacDonald.
A service will be held at the West Branch United Church on Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. A reception will be held in the West Branch Community Hall following the service. Food and flower donations can be delivered to the Community Hall.
Charitable donations may be made to the Aberdeen Hospital.
www.mclarenfuneral.ca