William Stanley “Bill” Hawkes, aged 80 years, passed peacefully on November 9, 2025.
Son of Edna Fairhurst and Robert Hawkes, he was predeceased in 2018 by his wife Bunny of 49 years. He is survived by his daughters Kimberley and Jennifer, along with his brother Bruce (Maria) his nephew Adrian, and his beloved maltipoo dog named Bobby.
Born and raised in Victoria, Bill will be best remembered as the friendly face at the service desk of his Island Muffler and Brake Shop, which he ran for over 50 yrs with his partner and good friend since high school, Richard Graham.
Bill frequency attended races on the sprint car racing circuit as a sponsor and was an avid follower and frequent attendee of the Reno Air Races, enjoying racing and competition in many forms.
His hobby of radio control aircraft took him to events throughout BC, Alberta, and Washington State where he was an active participant. Bill’s absolute happy place was flying, and many of his fondest memories involved spending time with his close buddy Wayne Powell, whom he had flown with since the early eighties in the field behind Belmont Secondary School in Langford.
Bill was always willing to pitch in with whatever was needed at an event. His quiet, low-key support of many contests including the Canadian F3A teams and Victoria’s Largest Little Airshow reflected his love of the hobby and support of his community.
People of Bill’s character are to be cherished; positive, quietly successful, unwaveringly supportive and always putting the needs of others before their own. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to give a donation in his memory, please consider an animal related charity or the BC Cancer Agency.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Hawkes” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Jim Beckerley
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Barbara Mary Little (nee Hawkes) I am so sorry to learn of the passing of my cousin, Bill Hawkes. We grew up together in Fairfield and continued to keep in touch after we moved to Vancouver. As the eldest of eleven of the Hawkes cousins, I have such wonderful memories of family gatherings over the years.
I send my condolences to Kimberly, Jennifer-Jo, Bruce and all the other Hawkes cousins. You must know how fondly my parents, Jack & Jean Hawkes, spoke of visits to them from Bill and his daughters.
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Gordon Lyseng May I offer my condolences. I worked for Bill at the muffler shop for many years. A lot of good memories and good times. I would stop in and see everyone from time to time and Bill was always interested in how my family was. Very genuine. R.I.P.
Rocket
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Gordon Sick I offer my condolences of the passing of my cousin, Bill Hawkes.
My Mom, Muriel Sick (nee Hawkes) grew up in Victoria with Bill’s Dad, Bob Hawkes, together with their siblings Kae, Arthur and Jack. Mom moved to Calgary, where I was raised, but we had many visits, as children, to see our Victoria cousins. Bob and Jack had the “Hawkes Brothers Esso” (later called the 5 Corners or 5 Points Esso) in Victoria. I can remember Bill as a teenager working at the Esso station, so it is no surprise that he continued on with Island Muffler and Brake.
Fine memories from the past.
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Michael John Hawkes My sincere condolences to Kim, Jennifer, Bruce and Maria on the passing of my cousin Bill. We grew up together on Richardson St. In Victoria with fond memories of family events there and “up Island”. Bill, Bruce and I could always relate to our fathers’ Hawkes Bros. Esso (Bob for them, Jack for me) at Five Points. I know he will be missed and my thoughts are with his family and close friends.
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Joyce Chope Harrison Thinking of you at this sad time. I hope happy memories of your father will one day supplant the pain you feel now. I went through school in the same year as Bill and recall when his father and uncle ran the gas station at five points. Please extend my condolences to his brother, Bruce.
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Don Kissinger My brothers and I went to Vic High about the same time as Bill and Richard- the 2 partners at Island Brake and muffler, their business. I always patronized Island and got good service at very fair prices. My brother Charles was a classmate of Bill. Bill always expressed concern and interest in my brother over the years.
The last time I saw Bill at Island, I thought he had more time left in him. He was a fine person.
Don Kissinger
I was fortunate enough to work with Bill at the shop for 12 years. During my time I got to know Bill as a kind,hard working and honest man with a fantastic sense of humour. Between Bill and Rich there were many very funny stories told while huddled around the pipe bender.
My deepest condolences to Jennifer and the entire Hawkes family.
Rest in peace Bill, you most certainly have earned it.