Donald Hawes, 1929–2019

Donald Otis Hawes, 89, of Waterville Valley, N.H and formerly of Lincoln, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on July 17. He was the loving husband of the late Lillian Blanche Hawes.

Don was born in Arlington, Mass. on July 30, 1929 the son of Otis Lawrence Hawes and Anna McKay Hawes. He graduated from the of the University of Maine, Orono in 1951, where he received a B.S. in civil engineering. He served his country honorably in the Korean War and earned the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars.

Don was the owner and president of Hawes Electric Construction, Inc. in Watertown. He was a long-term member of the National Electrical Contractors Association and past president of the Boston chapter. He later became a distinguished Fellow in the NECA Academy of Electrical Contracting. He served the Watertown Savings Bank as a corporator and trustee for over 40 years. He was also a long-time member and a past president of the Watertown Rotary Club.

Don had a love for sports, travel, and the outdoors. He was an honorary member of the Concord Country Club, where he enjoyed playing golf, tennis and paddle. An avid downhill skier, Don remained active in the sport until the age of 84. He met his wife Blanche on the slopes and they were married in 1958. They introduced their children to the sport at an early age, marking the beginning of 60 years of family skiing. Don retired to the White Mountains of New Hampshire where he enjoyed skiing with his children and grandchildren.

Don was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lillian Blanche Hawes; sister Janet Hawes Street; and daughter-in-law Maral Hawes. He is survived by his son, Donald McKay Hawes of Concord, and Lauren Hawes Kondon and her husband Nicholas Kondon of Lincoln, as well as his grandchildren,Andrew, Ashley, Stephen, Luke and Anna, and his sister Jean Hawes Anderson.

Don led by example. He was known for his wise words, his infectious smile and his kind and compassionate spirit. He will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts as the man telling us all to “always do our best.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the memory of Donald O. Hawes to:

Emerson Hospital Foundation 
Dementia Friendly Program 
133 ORNAC 
Concord, MA 01742

Obituary courtesy of Concord Funeral Home.