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DONALD KENNETH HAWKING
Born: Dec 06, 1941
Date of Passing: Jan 21, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDONALD KENNETH HAWKING
Don passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, and was happy to have his three favourite girls at his bedside. He had wonderful care, especially from Dr. Dalcolmo and Dr. Fourie.
Don was born in Boissevain and was raised in Brandon by his parents Edith and Ken Hawking, together with his big brother Barry, who he loved dearly.
Although a true westerner, Don married Carol, an easterner from Toronto in 1969.
Don wore a variety of business hats, starting with being a Brandon Sun paper carrier. Extended education led him to electronics, where he worked in Toronto and Chicago as a nuclear electronics service/sales manager. This job involved world travel and left him with a huge “travel bug”.
After Jennie was born in Chicago, they moved back to Don’s hometown of Brandon with Tara soon to be born. With a newborn, a toddler, and two black labs they opened DK’s Family Restaurant, specializing in authentic English fish n’ chips.
Real estate had always been in Don’s DNA so eventually he became owner/manager of Century 21 Westman Realty and helped it rise to #1 in Brandon area.
During that time Don and Carol purchased the Manigaming Resort in Clear Lake. Carol and the girls ran it for 17 years and during that time Don took on the distinguished title of “Poolboy”.
Through the years Don enjoyed bird hunting, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and loved boating on Clear Lake. Eventually, Don had a passion for NASCAR, especially being at the track in person to hear the roar of the engines. After retirement he discovered the love of golf. He thoroughly enjoyed his mens golf groups and the camaraderie that came with it. On Sundays you could often find him in his recliner, control in hand, switching between NASCAR races and golf tournaments.
The travel bug clicked in eventually and Don and Carol travelled extensively; including 10 years RVing in Mexico, then settling in a 55+ community in Florida, then multiple cruises to continue exploring. Never a dull moment in 56 years of marriage!
Don is lovingly remembered by his family; Carol, Jennie (Eva), Tara (Brent), and Kobi, Baylee and Evan - his grandkids who he adored. Also extended family and a multitude of friends from literally all over the globe.
Don’s wishes are to be cremated and celebrated at a small family gathering after the snow is gone.
If you would like to share special thoughts or memories of Don, go to the Brockie Donovan website.
As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 24, 2026