Russell HAWKES Obituary

Dear Kay

It was a dream come true having my childhood hero [Russell] and yourself as next-door neighbours. Russell had a heart of gold [even for our children] and prioritised and valued the people in his life!

I clearly remember as a young boy Russell entering superhero status in my world. I was in Standard 3 [9-years old] at Hoon Hay Primary School, and we were on a school camp at Arthur´s Pass with your beautiful daughter Emily. Anyway, Russell was a parent helper on the camp, and we were coming home on the train, and while I was busy desperately jostling for a seat next to Emily there was also a girl [Larissa*] in our class, who was sitting by herself. Anyway, as we were all enjoying the ride home this creepy dude comes into the carriage and sits right next to Larissa, and he started touching her leg inappropriately. All of us kids were sitting there stunned, thinking this is weird... then from nowhere this six-foot-tall superhero appears [Russell] swoops in and grabs the creepy dude, sticks his hands behinds his back and arrests him. All of the class just sat silently and in awe of "Emily´s dad" the rest of the way home... then with the police officers meeting us all with sirens and flashing lights when the train finally arrived back in Christchurch!
It was from that moment Russell secured his place as a genuine superhero in my eyes, and now fast forwarding to later in life, I was fortunate enough to get a front row seat, as your closest neighbour, which just topped it all off.
RIP Russell - my real-life Superhero who will be dearly missed but forever honoured and admired!

Dear Kay and all your family
Have been away so only just heard about the sad loss of Russell ..Thinking of you ..My sincere sympathy
Kerry from Table tennis xx

Sincere condolences, Kay.
What a great colleague from Sydenham

Thinking of our much loved Auntie Kay today along with our very special cousins Andrew, Joanne, Emily and their families.

Uncle Russell was an extremely caring, generous person who would go out of his way for anyone. As a boy I revered him for the quiet stoicism which masked a man of action. The military grade ammunition box which doubled as a picnic basket gave a lot away to Unky Russ' one time office job.

Us Burtts from the north thought he was great and will miss him very much. With much love from his brother and law Wayne, former sister in law Shirley, nephews and their families Duane, Kylie, Noah and Callum; Matt, Lena and Louis Burtt.

One of the best in the Police I ever worked with . RIP Russ. Family should be proud of the extra good bloke that he was.

My condolences to the Hawkes family on the passing of Russell.
Kate Barker

With all our love to our dear Aunty Kay, and to all our cousins.
Russ was a dearly respected, brave, courageous and much loved uncle, we will miss him but know he lives on in his wonderful family. RIP dear uncle.
All our love,
Leighton, Sarah-Jane, Lottie Burtt and Emma Burtt, John, George and Arty

My sincere condolences to Kay, family and friends; really sorry to hear of Russ' passing, as Russ lived for his family, which will be reflected in your shared sense of loss. Russ was a valued colleague, friend and workmate from the seventies who I'd lost contact with in more recent years, but have never forgotten. As Thomas Campbell said in his 'Hallowed Ground'; "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." I may not be able to attend Russ' service due to an unbreakable commitment, but my thoughts will be with you. Dave Haslett

My memory of Russell is one of a man who lived by his values he loved his family ,who never let you down and everyone respected him.
All my love to his family on his passing rest in peace Hawkeye.
Ash.

Dear Kay and family. I was deeply saddened to learn of Russells passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. My thoughts are with you all. Christine Neale.

A valued workmate and a true gentleman. You will be missed but always remembered. Rest easy Russell.

Sad to hear about Russ's passing. One of the really good buggers. RIP Russ.

Russ was one of the really genuine good guys.
My hearth felt condolences to Kay and all of your family.

Dear Kay & Family.... Thinking of you all. Russ was a great man, a fabulous boss and he taught me so much. I remember very fondly our Sydenham days. Such sad news.

Dear Kay and family, so very sorry for your loss. Judy and Kevin Straw.

Dear Kay,
Some fun memories of gatherings at yours, and mostly what a fabulous Sergeant Russ was for us, Leader and Man. Heartfelt thoughts. Robyn Davies.

Thinking of you at this time Kay. Best wishes Alison Hill daughters Virginia and Melissa

I remember fishing with Russ at the Rakaia mouth about 10 years ago when a whitebaiter was washed in and taken out to sea. Russ didn't hesitate to risk his own life and hop in a jet boat and out through the waves to successfully save the guy. Sort of guy Russ was. A real good guy who will be sorely missed by many.

To the Hawkes family. Thinking of you all at this sad time. I have great memories of your dad during my childhood years. A lovely man. Virginia Peterson (Hill)

My condolences on the passing of Russ. He was a pleasure to know,and work with.

I have very fond memories of Russ, he was a good leader of young men, with his calm yet decisive manner. I learnt a lot from him. My father coached him at rugby as a young man and was his captain.

RIP Russ.

Adrian Kennedy (Aids}

Good memories of Russell, working together in years gone by. A true honest and loyal work mate. RIP
Paul (PK) Johnstone

Dear Kay. Memories of many years ago. You were always such a fabulous couple. I loved the time we worked together. Thinking of you. X

Our deepest sympathy to Kaye and all the family. You will miss such a lovely man. All our love from Marilyn and David.

Sincere condolences to you Kay and your family..My love and thoughts are with you ...
Colleen Fitchett..

Long ago memories of happy times spent with Cousin Kay and Russell.
Sending loving thoughts to you, Kay, and all the family.
Dudley & Marilyn

Thoughts with you Kay and family at this time.
Jenny and Blue Caldwell (x Chch Police)

Many good memories of working with Russ over the years - he will be missed.
Condolences to all the family.
Pat Maunsell

Our Love and Support is with Kay and her family at this sad time. Russell was a courageous man and highly respected brother in law and Uncle. Mark and Vicki Burtt. Leighton Sarah- Jane and Lottie, Emma John, George and Arthur.