Obituary of Robert Howie Hawkes

ROBERT Howie Hawkes - March 9, 1930 - May 10, 2023

Robert Howie Hawkes, Q.C., passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on May 10, 2023. He is predeceased by his wife, Joan, and his son, Brent. Survived by his son, Scott (and wife Ulla); grandchildren, Timothy (and wife Charlotte), Hannah, Lucy, and Kevin; and many friends including June Cavers. Known to most as “Bob”, and “Poppy” to his grandchildren, he grew up in the Davisville area of Toronto where he attended Hodgson Public School, North Toronto Collegiate, Victoria College of the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1955. As a young lawyer, he worked as in-house legal counsel with Swift Canadian Co., and later with Rothmans of Pall Mall Canada Limited, to become its lawyer. He moved up the ranks to become President & CEO. Bob later became the Superintendent of Pensions for Ontario, and then moved to the Ontario Municipal Board as Special Assistant to the Chairman. Bob enjoyed spending time at his cottage on Mary Lake, Muskoka, and later in retirement at his home in St. Catharines, where he continued to enjoy sailing, spending time with family and friends, and walking his dog, Toto. Burial has taken place at a private ceremony at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.