Don G Hawkins

Don G. Hawkins of South Woodbury, died Sunday, December 15 at UVM Medical Center, Burlington.

He was born in Barre on August 11, 1950 to the late Gerald and Dorothy (Gilman) Hawkins. He grew up on a dairy farm in North Montpelier and attended local schools. He joined the Navy in 1970 in the Naval Submarine School.  After his military service he worked for a traveling carnival as a truck driver, mechanic and performed as a motorcycle stunt driver in the “Wall of Death.”

He was a truck driver for several years before starting his own business, DG Welding, repairing equipment for local farms and industries.

He is survived by his daughter, Dana Hawkins-Paoletto and his grandson Landon of CT, his son Todd Hawkins of NY,  his brother Gary of TN, his sisters Glenna and Diane (Ernest) of MA, nieces, nephews and cousins and his partner Rita Benjamin and her daughter, Kelsey of Woodbury. He will be missed not only for his compassion for his family but also for his mechanical abilities and dedication to his customers.  His last selfless act of kindness was organ donation.

Don was a tough canvas. His strength and family values were fabric that held the family together.  He never met an animal that was afraid of him. He loved them all, from Kona who was tattooed on him to his last dog, Maddie.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer.
 

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