Harold "Don" Hawkings (21 Feb 1925 - 15 Apr 2017)

In loving memory of Harold Hawkings, known as "Don" by many members of his family and friends who sadly passed away on 15th April 2017 age 92 at the Queens Medical Centre. He will be greatly missed by his daughter Diane, grandsons David, Jason and Daniel and their partners Sarah, Wahnnetta and Lucy, also by son-in-laws Steve and Trevor. He was an inspiration to all who met him, always positive and eager to take on a new challenge. Before he took ill last year he was learning to play the ukulele, was taking waltzing lessons and was a member of a choir. His passion however was gardening. Days before he went into hospital in January of this year he planted up tubs of daffodils and hyacinths.

Harold was born on 21 February 1925 in Carlton, Nottingham. he was the son of Edward and Lillian Hawkings. He grew up in Carlton with his elder brother Leonard "Len". It was while he was in the Army that he took the name of Don. This was because in his regiment there were too many "Harolds" and the sergeant asked for volunteers to pick another name. He choose Don in memory of his brother "Donald" who died as a baby. It was while he was in Army that "Don" met Chris "Christina Curley" . They were married on 1st May 1947 at the Sacred Heart Church in Carlton. They had 2 children Diane and Sandra. Sadly Chris passed away in 1998 and Sandra in 2015.

Don was demobbed in 1947 with an exemplary record and then went on to do a further 10 years in the TA.

Don always worked hard and gave 100% in everything he did.