Obituary of Geroge Hawkins

George B. Hawkins (87), son of Thomas and Cecile (Perry) Hawkins, passed away peacefully in Boise, ID on Tuesday evening, February 4, 2014, just a couple weeks shy of his 88th birthday. Though his passing came suddenly, it wasn't entirely unexpected as the father we long knew was slowly taken in recent months. Dad was one of the last of the Greatest Generation. He lived a full life from the Helena of the Great Depression to the Pacific Ocean of World War II to the Greenland of the early nuclear era to the Alaska of oil pipeline development. He was one of fourteen siblings, so was immersed in family throughout his life. As if his five children weren't enough of a handful, he opened our home in Dillon to a veritable parade of family, friends, and even an occasional stranger over the years. He was generous to a fault, which became both a source of joy and humor at times in these last years. Dad was one of the last of a generation who knew true hard work. Staying in the work force well into his seventies, he was always able to outwork men half his age. His hands were hardened from early years as a boxer and many years later working in crafts and trades. He grew up in a place and time when disrespect got one more than a "time out" or social shunning. The stories of him confronting disrespectful young men are legend. George is survived by his lifetime love, Lillian "May" Hawkins; his siblings, Jerry Hawkins, Nancy Landon and Harry Hawkins; his children, Jerrilea Archer, Dan (Jo Lee) Hawkins, and Lee (Angela) Hawkins; his grandchildren, Sharlea (Jerry), Phil (Krysti), Johnathan (Emily), Zia (Travis), Soren (Kathleen), Tyler, Lindsey, Cheyenne (Tyler), and Jordan; and his great-grandchildren, Austin, Braxton, Adrienne, Andie, Preston, Vivian, and Logan. He was proceeded in death by his parents; 10 siblings, including his twin Martha Travis; and his children, Phil Hawkins, Laurie Woolworth, and Gary Archer. Good night, dear father. May you rest in well-earned peace. When you're restless, we are sure the heavenly fairways are forever favorable to left handers, the greens never covered with straw, and an endless supply of lost golf balls are waiting to be collected. Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2014 at Summers Funeral Homes, 3629 E. Ustick Road, Meridian, ID