2011年1月7日

A Tribute: Mr Donald James Hawkes 1930 - 2010

Our beloved Churchwarden, Mr Don Hawkes passed away suddenly on 28th of December.
He is now reunited with his dearest and graceful wife Ewetan in heaven and they have become the strongest Guardian Angels for their two most beautiful children.
Nevertheless we miss him so much because he has given us the most precious gift - his wisdom, wit and faithful friendship.
As a true English gentleman, he has sacrificed his time for our parish church, looking after the problematic building while architects and builders blamed each other for the leaking dome by offering his professional knowledge as a retired architect with a stiff upper lip.
He was always there for all of us.
I shall treasure the fond memories of his kind presence in our humble garden on a sunny day, and our outings together to see old French films at National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing Lecture Theatre, and so forth.
He was like a father figure to me.
And it is my pleasure to share the serenely beautiful memorial site for this finest example of gentlemen with you:
http://donaldhawkes.webeden.co.uk/

I could not sing the first hymn "Praise, my soul, the king of heaven" properly because I could not stop sobbing as soon as Don's casket was carried to the nave.
Fortunately the last hymn was our favourite "Jerusalem", so I concentrated on the score printed on my hymn book and just sang from the bottom of my heart without looking at the pallbearers carrying the elegantly light wicker coffin.
After the funeral and a service of committal, everybody was invited for refreshments by the generous family in the rotunda.
Dr Lucien Jenkins was serving tea and coffee so I took out my apron and rubber gloves hidden in a cupboard of our church kitchen and started to do the washing up with gusto.
We had a great time, talking to people comforting each other, expressing our deepest gratitude to Don and hugged one another.
Hours later, when everybody was gone, I finally finished cleaning the floor then walked back home.
I miss you, Don, my special mentor, friend and spiritual supporter who will continue to help me.
God bless you and Ewetan, the most beautiful couple I have ever met and am so lucky to know and appreciate the true fellowship through you.
Well, this is the reason I could not type a word to update my blog here until now.