Debbie Monson
Our deepest condolences on the lost of your friend
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HAWKINS, Kenneth "Ken"
1956 - 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Lorne Hawkins who passed away May 20th 2025, at the age of 68.
Born November 2nd, 1956 to Doreen (nee Wilcox) and Lorne Bennett Hawkins. Ken lived his young life in King City along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends nearby. His two siblings Bennett (Kathy) and Donna will share Ken’s shenanigans to anyone who will listen.
As a young man he moved to Aldergrove, BC. It was there that he had his precious daughter Natalie. Later, moving back to Ontario, he set roots in Innisfil and then Orrville (Parry Sound). Along the way he gained many friends, some remaining steadfast throughout his life.
Natalie later found her own family in Jay Beauchamp where Ken joyfully became “Grandpa” to Hayden, loving his “little boy” more than he ever imagined possible. Natalie and Hayden were his entire world. They gave him strength during the rough times and deep pride and joy in the all times.
His memory lives on with his nieces and nephews; Heidi, Ryan, Ian, and Jared. He was their Uncle Bucky who continued to share yearly fishing adventures with Ian (Kim) and their children Aidan and Caitlin. His departure will leave an unfillable void in their lives; may they find comfort in the memories and bonds they shared.
He developed so many good friendships throughout the years; Sam (deceased), Chipper, Blade, Gary, Dean, Stringer, Clair, Ed (Jane), Don, Larry (Lori), JY, and many more I may have missed. The memories, adventures, inside jokes and nicknames (Ken’s being Bonesy to some) will hold special places in the hearts of all who knew him. If you feel so moved, reach out and tell us about it - or another joyful time shared with Ken.
The last 15 years he spent with Debbie Monson moving to Huntsville and finally to Virginiatown, creating many cherished memories along the way including time at their cabin in Matachewan which was Ken’s fishing dream come true.
Preceded in death are his parents Bennett Hawkins and Doreen Allan and nephew Jeffrey Hawkins.
In addition to his passion for fishing, Ken loved his music and enjoyed many concerts. He had a keen ability to identify the musician/band of classic rock songs within the first notes. He was sometimes known to be the life of the party. He had an amazing memory and full to the brim with stories gained through all of his life experiences, including his career as a Heavy Equipment Operator and Builder/Renovator.
Ken was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal, and brave.
Those that knew him best also know Ken struggled with alcoholism and his legacy through his battle was to “never give up”, and he would encourage anyone else to do the same. I hope he knows we had great respect for the way he fought this difficult battle. There is no shame. He fought hard. He displayed incredible courage and strength.
Ken never wanted to be defined by his addiction and mistakes; he was so much more than that. I think he would approve of this however, to help break the stigma about addicts, and get people talking about the problem of addiction that is taking away so many lives.
If his story could help just one addict push even harder for another day of sobriety, encourage an active user to choose recovery, or to seek help with withdrawal, then I think he would think it worthy coming out of the shadows.
Ken was a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a friend, a human being with an addiction. He turned to alcohol to make him feel liked. Alcohol told him "I can make you feel accepted, I can make you feel alright, I can make you feel worthy, I can make you feel normal, I can make you feel loved, and I can make you feel nothing”. What it didn't tell him was how it would devastate so many days of his life.
If you view addicts with judgment, please educate yourself about this disease, because that is what it is. It is not a choice or a weakness. And chances are very good that someone you know is struggling with it, and that person needs and deserves your empathy and support.
If you work in one of the many institutions through which addicts often pass — rehabs, hospitals, jails, courts — please treat them with the compassion and respect they deserve.
The day Ken died, a part of us died along with him. We will always carry his memory in our hearts. There will be no service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
As his great niece Caitlin posted; “Today we lost an incredible man who left a lasting impact not only on my life, but on the lives of everyone who had the privilege to know him”. “He was a strong, empowerful, and loving man”. “I will miss him dearly and carry his memory with me always”.
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Family and Friends
What an incredible obituary. It warms my heart knowing how much your loved one was loved throughout his difficult life. May he rest in piece.
Family and Friends
I loved Ken dearly despite the chaos. I wish I could have saved him. I wish I could have come home from my trip to his hug and "so glad your home, I missed you so much" and his chatter of everything that happened. I wish he was here by my side. I wish the "one day at a time" was not over. Ken expressed and showed his love to me in many special ways, and I believe he knew the same. My heart is broken. Rest in Peace Ken. May God take you under his wing. May you be sharing laughs with your best friend "Sam" whom you had always missed. I LOVE YOU and I will miss you in so, so many ways! To his family and friends, I knew - it was an honour to have been part of your lives with Ken. He loved you all and my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Debbie Monson
We are so sorry for your loss
Sending our condolences
He was a good man hard worker and a friend
Ken’s Family
What a beautiful tribute. We have so many memories of Ken especially when he lived in BC and then back in Ontario. He always had us laughing. Rest in Peace Kenny. Give Tom a hug from us.
Joann Burke and Family
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Debbie
Our sympathies to you, Natalie, Hayden and family
Ken was one of the nicest people you could have found. Quick with a joke or two that kept people laughing. He had his problems and you were great at helping him with them.
May he rest now.
Jane and Ed
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