Edward Lyle Hawkins

Edward Lyle Hawkins

June 20, 1929 - June 15, 2022

Ed passed away quietly during a morning nap on Wednesday, June 15, just five days before his 93rd birthday. Ed had been a resident of Shorncliffe Care Home in Sechelt for the past year due to mobility issues related to a stroke. He learned to drive his Ferrari Red electric wheelchair with skill and could be seen participating in many functions at Shorncliffe. He especially enjoyed ‘Music with Reg’ each week and maintained his keen intelligence and sense of humour right to the end.

Born in Revelstoke and raised in Field, Ed was the son of a CPR engineer stationed there to drive trains over the ‘Big Hill’ via the spiral tunnel.  Ed graduated from high school in Cranbrook and continued to be a lifelong learner. He moved to Calgary and took a two-year Automobile Mechanics diploma program at SAIT, and completed a four year apprenticeship to become a Journeyman in Automotive Maintenance. He was a gifted mechanic, loved cars and had an eclectic assortment over the years. British sports cars like TR4 and TR6 were bought, repaired and then driven before being sold again in order to get the next deal.

Ed had a variety of jobs in Calgary and throughout his life, including becoming Operations Manager at the Hudson’s Bay Company , managing a Beaver Lumber Store, and becoming a realtor — first with Cowley & Keith, and later as one of the first realtors to join ReMax in Calgary.

Ed was a good water skier and snow skier, becoming a member of the Sunshine Village Ski Patrol. He liked to take Sunday drives with family, vacation in the Okanagan, and was a dedicated member of the Lutheran Church, being a charter member & congregational chair in two fledgling churches.

In the early 1980s Ed and Gwen bought property on Ruby Lake on the Sunshine Coast and though already in their 50s, built a pre-fabricated cedar home kit by themselves. Once a permanent move was made to Ruby Lake, Ed worked as a realtor with ReMax in Sechelt, bought briefly into a TV store in Sechelt, and installed satellite systems up and down the Sunshine Coast.

Although Ed retired from formal work in his 70’s he always was involved in something. Habitat for Humanity was one of his most passionate projects, and he played a key role in bringing the organization to the Sunshine Coast, opening the ReStore in downtown Sechelt, and served on its National Board. 

Ed was predeceased in 2021 by Gwen, his wife of over 70 years. He leaves behind four children —David, Cathryn, Wendy, and Elaine — and many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom will miss him greatly.

A memorial service for Ed will be held at Living Faith Lutheran Church, Davis Bay, on July 11, 2022 at 2 pm. For those who wish to join via Zoom, a link can be provided by emailing livingfaithlutheran@gmail.com

A Celebration of Life for both Ed & Gwen will be held July 11, 2022 from 3-7 pm at Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden, 5941 Mason Rd, Sechelt.  All are welcome.

The family wishes to thank everyone at the Pender Harbour Health Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health staff in Home Care Services, at Sechelt Hospital and Shorncliffe. Special thanks to Dr. Forgie for her care of both Gwen and Ed in their final years.

If desired, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity, Sunshine Coast, or the charity of your choice.

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