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ROSS ROBERT HAWKINS
1959 was a time of asking mothers if they wanted their Downs babies put into an institution. No, our mom was bringing him home.
Ross was seven when my mother became too ill to care for us. There were two teenagers, Ross and baby brother at home. Agonizingly Ross entered Portage La Prairie Institution.
At 17 he noticed a woman coming to his Portage cottage. She would leave with one of the boys. Ross had no idea where they went, he just knew the boy never came back. Sister Marie explained L’Arche was opening a house for teenagers with intellectual disabilities. She said at that time she wouldn’t have chosen Ross because of his speech difficulties. On her return to Portage, she noticed Ross pointing to his chest saying, “pick me, pick me”.
Life began with the L’Arche community and continued for 47 years. His L’Arche family created the love and support he needed to become the wonderful man he was. L’Arche assistants came from around the world. England, Germany, Brazil, Ukraine, Chile, Kenya, USA and so many more countries. His life was enriched by their cultures and he made enduring friendships. Ross was so proud of his 27 years at Palliser Furniture. He then semi-retired to volunteer at Health Sciences Centre and Park Manor. He loved welcoming customers to the L'Arche Tova Café.
Ross was surrounded by loving families; Knockaert’s, Kozak’s and L’Arche. Our nightly calls started with Donald Jerome and ended with “I love Julie, Randy, Hanah, Coen and my Sweety”.
My brother loved an audience! He took every chance he had to be on stage or get a microphone. Halloween was the best. He rocked being Mrs. Doubtfire, a nun, Pope John Paul to name a few but the best had to be Elsa from Frozen. Coming out of the dressing room at the Halloween store; Ross asked everyone to stay where they were. As he made his grand entrance; he held his arms up over his wig and glided across the room with his cape billowing behind. As he turned to face the room, he bowed. When the clapping stopped, he promptly walked to the clerk and asked, “where are the boobs?”.
Rossco loved Coke Zero (with no ice!) and insisted on wearing only Jets clothes the past couple of years. In his Coke collection there is a working can shaped phone. He loved Annie, Sound of Music, Star Wars, Frozen, Sister Act and anything he could sing and dance to.
Ross and his sisters went to Disneyworld. There were four flights. Our charming brother talked us into first class for three of them! After one landing, he was invited to meet the pilot. The captain gave Ross his hat to wear and motioned to sit in his seat. When the pilot said to pull the rudder handles; my brother raised his arms and said, “no, no, no!”.
Years ago, Ross decided what he wanted for his funeral. He said, “I want a big picture and a party!”
My brother had a deep faith, loved serving communion, carrying the cross and greeting people at the doors. Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 710 Roanoke Street. Viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., and the funeral mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. His party will follow at Transcona Christian Reformed Church, 131 Victoria Avenue directly following the mass. September 27 would have been his 65th birthday. So, birthday party it is!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to L’Arche Winnipeg.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 21, 2024
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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Ross will truly be missed. At breakfast he would stick his head through the pass way at day spring and as forbid breakfast be brought to table 3. We had great fun when breakfast was ready we would call out table 3 he would proudly raise his hand "Over here". Ross always brought smiles to us at Day Spring. Rest in Peace Ross. 😢🙏 - Posted by: Rayleen Scott (past Larche support worker (to Linda)) on: Sep 29, 2024
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I didn't know Ross or his family but this beautiful story made me wish I did. He clearly had an adventurous, fulfilling, productive life and lots of love all around him. Sad loss but such an uplifting legacy. - Posted by: Lois S. (Reader ) on: Sep 29, 2024
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Heaven has done called another opera singer back home. - Posted by: Chery; & John Kehler (friend) on: Sep 27, 2024
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We will certainly miss Ross's warmth, his unique sense of humour and the joyful spirit he would bring to the Christmas Carol singalong at our annual family gathering. 'Heaven has called another singer back home' - Posted by: Chery; & John Kehler (friend) on: Sep 27, 2024
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Thinking of you and Don during this tough time! I only met Ross once but he left a lasting impression on me. He knew what he liked and found joy in it. A beautiful smile and a great sense of humour. He will be remembered. - Posted by: Teri Ziorick (Friend) on: Sep 25, 2024
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Sending our deepest condolences Barb and Don. We had the pleasure of meeting Ross only a few times, but saw quickly how he adored you and Don, and we know you felt the same. Hoping fond memories will help you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Joy and Herb (Friends ) on: Sep 25, 2024
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Ross loved to sing, dance, and to live life . . . . he was always the first to greet someone. He always made everyone feel welcome. When Ross and I lived at L'Arche together he was very busy with swimming, bowling and schedule phone calls. Ross loved Halloween and one costume was when he dressed up as Picard. Still not sure if he wanted to be Picard so that we should all day "Yes Captain" or if it was to shave his head like his brother-in-law. So sorry for you loss. Ross will be missed by many and remembered and cherished by us too. - Posted by: Diane L'Arrivee (Past L'Arche Assistant) on: Sep 23, 2024
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I loved reading the story about Ross! Thank you so much for sharing the beauty and humor that he brought to the lives of others. I don't know the family, and never met Ross (except through his obit) - but I know his life made a difference. Keep dancing at your Birthday Party in Heaven! - Posted by: Lil Goertzen (no connection) on: Sep 23, 2024
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This is possibly one of the most beautiful obituaries I've ever read. I'm so very sorry for the loss of your brother. He sounds he was a most loving man. God bless you all. - Posted by: Sharon (unknown) on: Sep 21, 2024
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Met Ross through his love for Winnipeg Jets! I was thankfully that the news shared his story years ago. His sister just beamed when she spoke of him. She sent me a short video of him saying “thanks” for things my family gifted to him. I still have that video but will cherish it more now. Sending love & sympathy to everyone that Ross touched over the years. He was very “special” to many and will be missed. - Posted by: Lisa Konowich & family (Friend ) on: Sep 21, 2024