Joseph Preston Hawkins

Hawkins, Joseph Preston, C.M.A., I.C.S.A., B.A. (York University), born September 15, 1919 in Carleton Place, Ontario, died peacefully, age 95, at Sunnybrook Veterans Nursing Centre in Toronto on November 30, 2014.

Beloved husband of Margaret (Tarcza) and loving father of Nancy (Andrew Knox), Peter, Janice and Judith Smith (the late Bruce Smith).

He will be sadly missed by beloved grandchildren Lisa (Brad Grieveson), Jessica, Shawn, Ashley (Scott Chilvers), Jeffrey, Jeremy and great-grandchildren Carter, Quinn and Hailey, also survived by dear sisters-in-law Isobel and Helen(Gerry Flaherty), loving uncle of Linda, David (the late Kenny Adcoe), Paul (Christine), Barbara, Lorraine (Ron), Karen (Mike), and Doug (Danielle), also John (Katie), James (Nada) and Patrick (Jan).

Joseph began his career in banking with Imperial Bank of Commerce (I.B.C.) in Cochrane, Ontario. Following the outbreak of WWII he volunteered to join the R.C.A.F. and served five years, mostly in the European theatre, with No. 429 Bison Squadron, retiring with the rank of Flying Officer.

Joseph was predeceased by his father Wellington and mother Flora Hawkins and by all his siblings Alma, Bessie (Fee), Currie (Thelma) and Robert Hawkins.

Prior to retirement in 1980 he held the position of Vice-President of Finance at Dubois Chemical Corporation, Weston. He was a member of the Toronto Chapters of I.C.S.A. and C.M.A. and a long standing member of the Canadian Legion, North York Branch.

Joseph spent much of his retirement (until age 80) undertaking volunteer projects with Canadian Executive Services Overseas (C.E.S.O.), first assisting aboriginal businesses in Canada, then overseas in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Panama, S.A. and with U.S.E.S.O. in Ukraine and Poland.

The Hawkins family wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the caregivers, nurses, doctors and staff members at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre for their superb and compassionate care for Joseph during his five year stay. Also our special thanks to Chaplain Wes Roberts for his devoted and dedicated care for Joseph’s spiritual well-being and the comforting support he extended to our family.

Visitation will be held at the Jerrett Funeral Home, 6191 Yonge Street (two lights south of Steeles Ave.) on Tuesday, December 2 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 11 am from the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment to follow at Elgin Mills Cemetery.