Gary Hawks was an important part of Local 2881 in its early years. He was also a founding member of the PAC and instrumental in its creation. Brother Hawks will be missed.
Gary L. Hawks passed away peacefully on January 1, 2022, surrounded by family. He was born on August 25, 1939, in Long Beach, CA to parents Alva “Alvie” and Geraldine “Jerry” Hawks. A lifelong Paradise resident, he attended Paradise Elementary and Paradise High School graduating in Paradise High Schools first class in 1957. In 2018 he lost his home in the Camp Fire and relocated to Chico.
Gary met Yvonne, his wife and soul mate of 58 years while attending Chico State. He enjoyed his 38-year career with CDF, now CAL FIRE serving Butte County and California. He was also instrumental in the founding and development of CAL FIRE Local 2881.
An avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed doing both with his sons David and Steve. Gary enjoyed spending the winters (22 years) with Yvonne at an RV park in Arizona. While there, he enjoyed woodworking, making Nantucket baskets, and spending time with new friends.
Gary maintained a positive attitude and wonderful sense of humor throughout his courageous battle with kidney disease. He was proud and devoted to his family and is survived by his loving wife Yvonne, sons David (Peggy) and Steven (Christine), granddaughters Malena, Emily, Erika, and Sarah, and brother Bob (Lynn) Hawks.
A funeral service will be held at noon on Friday, January 14th at the Paradise Alliance Church, 6491 Clark Rd. Paradise, followed by a committal service at the Paradise Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in Gary’s name to the Butte County Firefighters Benevolent Foundation or Enloe Hospice.