George Robert Hawkin (7 Sep 1944 - 20 Jul 2020)

In loving memory of George Robert Hawkin who sadly passed away on 20th July 2020. George was born in Morley, Leeds in 1944 to Myra & George. He sadly never knew his Dad who died in Arnhem during WW2, but visited as often as he could at the annual anniversary of the battle of Arnhem staying with wonderful Dutch families in the area.

George moved to Nottingham in 1968 after meeting and marrying his wife Carol. Football was a huge passion and he remained an ardent and proud Leeds United fan all of his life, happily being aware of their promotion just before he died. Such was his enjoyment of the game he adopted Nottingham Forest as an additional team and became a season ticket holder. Leeds v Forest games were eagerly awaited and enjoyed (even if the outcomes could sometimes be challenging for a proud Yorkshire lad). He also loved visiting to Wembley stadium at any available opportunity.

George was a builder most of his life, ironically given the amount of times he spent attending appointments or being admitted he helped build Queens Medical Centre, alongside many other landmark buildings across Nottingham. As a frequent visitor he became a dab hand at helping out and sitting with some of the more challenging patients to help the nursing staff at both Queens and City hospitals and was extremely grateful for all the care he received throughout his life.

George always enjoyed travelling, going on holiday and watching musicals and shows and following his retirement (well semi-ish retirement) he continued to remain extremely active. George was fun loving an very sociable. He loved seaside visits with his grandchildren, Bridlington being a firm favourite and growing flowers, fruit & veg in his garden. The flower bed in his front garden continues to draw many admiring glances from passes by. We won’t dwell too much on his extraordinary love of sheds & keeping hold of things that ‘might come in handy’ which made the back garden interesting.

George’s main passion however was his love of steam rally’s, traveling to them, setting up shop with his friends and showing his steam engine. He loved socialising with friends, walking their dogs at any given opportunity and relaxing under the lights at the end of the day.

Despite his own ill health he continued to look after Carol, he stubbornly refused to slow down and his sheer determination, stubbornness and underpinning Yorkshire spirit enabled him keep going, remain positive and helpful to those around him to the very end.

George will be sadly missed by his family and I am sure many of those who knew him, at least now he can truly have a well deserved rest.