MARS HILL, Maine – John R. Hawksley, 92, died December 28, 2017, at Aroostook Health Center, Mars Hill, Maine.
He was born on October 29, 1925,in Mars Hill. He was the son of Ted and Winifred Hawksley of Mars Hill. He was predeceased by his wife Grace and his brother Dick Hawksley of Mars Hill.
After graduating from Central Aroostook High School in Mars Hill he entered the US Navy and served aboard the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier, during World War II. Upon returning home to Mars Hill from the Navy, he went to work for a professional photographer and photo processing company in Presque Isle. During that time he developed a love of photography for the rest of his life, his camera never far from his side. The photo company eventually became the Four Seasons Sporting Store in Presque Isle, selling primarily ski equipment and watercraft, where he became one of the most knowledgeable and trusted ski equipment sales persons in the county. John was one of the founders of the Mars Hill Mountain Ski patrol and also taught many folks from the county and New Brunswick how to ski. He nearly single-handedly built a beautiful cottage on East Grand Lake where he and his beloved wife Grace spent 45 summers enjoying friends and family. John and Grace were together for an amazing 65 years. John was also and avid, accomplished golfer who loved playing golf with his friends on Mars Hill Country Club Course. John was a life long learner and immersed himself completely in anything that really interested him. He learned to paint at 90 and was still gardening and building a garden patio at 90 as well. He moved to Aroostook Health Center because of failing health and mobility at 91 where he was loved and very well cared for until his passing. He enjoyed a life well lived. His intellectual curiosity was a huge factor in his life and kept him going even as his health failed.
John leaves behind his son, Jeff Hawksley and his wife Karen; two grandchildren, Patrick and Christina, and numerous nieces and nephews that reside in the Mars Hill area.
A memorial celebration is being planned for the summer of 2018.
