Christopher John Hawketts

December 8, 1934 - January 24, 2021

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Chris Hawketts in Woodstock, NB at the age of 86.

Chris was born in Bristol, England to Eva and Clifford Hawketts. After studying Mechanical Engineering, he dazzled Rita Budd with his dashing good looks, rugby skills and motorcycling ways and they married in 1959. Seeking wide open spaces and adventure, they packed up young Sarah and Jane and moved to Lennoxville, Quebec, Canada in 1966. One more daughter, Helen, was born on Canadian soil.

Chris was an avid outdoorsman and athlete who relished a good walk in the woods with a dog, a paddle down the river, or officiating a rugby or soccer match, among many other pursuits. There followed many happy years of kids, cats, and dogs with memorable family vacations. Chris moved the family around the Eastern Townships to pursue interesting career advancements in industry. He was a proud member of both the Association of Professional Engineers of Quebec and New Brunswick. Retiring from a position with the federal civil service at the National Research Council of Canada, Chris and Rita enjoyed happy times travelling and spending time with their five grandchildren, dotted all over Canada and the USA. Chris also volunteered at several Carleton County elementary schools designing and building drama sets, helping with reading programs, creating PowerPoints for graduations, and mentoring students with carpentry projects. He loved his home workshop and produced many beautiful pieces of practical furniture and a tree house. An avid photographer, he documented his love of nature and his family. He was a very early adopter of computer technology and was a self-taught expert in the field.

While his final years were marred by Alzheimer's disease, he retained his wry sense of humour and appreciation of friends and family, especially his best friend and life partner, Rita. He will be sorely missed.

Chris is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rita, and his three daughters Sarah (Bob) Flaherty of Wilmington, NC, Jane (James Wright) Hawketts of Gregg Settlement, NB and Helen (Dave Ullrich) Hawketts of Toronto, ON. Chris leaves behind five grandchildren who adored their Poppy - Bridget (Blake), Connor, Clare, Ruby and Sydney. He also leaves behind his cherished younger brother David Hawketts and several nieces and nephews in England.

Our family is extremely grateful to the many dedicated caregivers who nurtured Chris with skill and grace at home, at Riverside Court, at the Upper River Valley Hospital, and at Carleton Manor's Upper Goodine Lane. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Chris is resting at the Scott Funeral Home, 815 Main Street, Woodstock, NB

Due to COVID19, a celebration of Chris' life will be held at a future date.

Donations to the Alzheimer's Society of New Brunswick would be gratefully received.

www.scottfh.com