AUBURN – Donald R. Hawkins, 78, born to Harold and Elsie (Rice) of Auburn, died on Nov. 17 from cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

Born during the Great Depression, he was the fifth of ten children. In 1942, at the age of 14, he joined the Civil Air Patrol and flew reconnaissance along the coast. At age 17, Donald volunteered for the Army Air Corp after graduating from high school. The war ended in 1945, just as he was headed for the Pacific.

After the war, he worked as an apprentice electrician for several years and eventually put himself through engineering school at North Carolina State. He received his Electrical Engineering degree in 1952. His many engineering accomplishments included designing and installing the first medial microwave communication system in the northwestern part of Maine. He finished his long career in 1996 as a consultant for Stevens, Morton, Rose, and Thompson in Portland.

All throughout his engineering career, Donald loved aviation and continued to fly. He was a private pilot in both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. He was also an avid golfer and had a passion for landscaping.

Donald is survived by his wife of 37 years, Pauline; his sons, Donald Jr., Grady, Gregory, and Matthew; his daughter, Kristin; and his sisters, Betty, Christine, and Geneva.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Orrington, Wallace, Robert, and Paul; and his sister, Marian.

He was blessed with six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Donald will be remembered as a loving father, and a man of remarkable energy and creativity.

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