1919 – 2013

AUBURN —   Miles R. Hawkins, 93, died peacefully on Saturday, June 8, at the Hospice House.

Born at home in Auburn, on Aug. 15, 1919, he was the son of Miles S. and K. Beatrice Bickmore-Graves Hawkins.

Miles graduated from the Maine School for the Deaf and was the first deaf student to graduate from Edward Little High School, with the Class of 1940. Miles attended many high school reunions with his daughter, Lee.

While in high school, he played many sports, football, track and diving on the swim team. After high school, he left Maine to work at Pratt-Whitney Aircraft during World War II. There, he met his future wife, Geneva. They were married at the First Universalist Church, Auburn, in the chapel.

After the war was over, they came back to Maine. Miles’ last work was as a machinist at Lewiston (Diamond) Maine Co. for 25 years to his retirement.

Miles was a member of the Lewiston-Auburn Deaf Club and president for 25 years. He was also a member of the Gardiner Deaf Club. He was a loving mentor for many in the deaf community and very respected as a kind and giving man.

Miles was an avid outdoorsman in his younger years, hunting and fishing, especially deep-sea fishing on his boat, the “Lenora,” always chasing tuna and almost harpooning a shark. He loved having his family on the boat and enjoying a day at sea. He also enjoyed time with his wife and family at camp at Bailey Island, eating lobsters and clams.

He built a snowplane “Thunder” during the 1960s, using his own design and drawings. He would take “Thunder” to Thompson Lake and give ice fishermen a ride to their favorite spot and pick them up at the end of the day.

Miles and his wife, Geneva, traveled to Illinois and Arizona to visit relatives. After retirement, Miles enjoyed working in his woodworking shop in the basement. He could make anything —   just give him an idea.

Survivors include daughter, Lenora “Lee” Hilton and husband, Frank, of Harpswell; granddaughter, Patsy Root and children, Abby and Sam, all of Saco; grandson, Karl Hilton and wife, Melissa, of Monmouth, their children, Brittany of Lisbon and Kristi and Kelsie of Monmouth; granddaughter, Anna Buccellato and husband, Bob, of Cooper City, Fla.; and also Kellie Parkson and Brad Root.Miles was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Geneva.

Miles enjoyed playing cards at home with his friends, George, Ronnie, Don, Nancy and Leslie and meeting friends for coffee at Burger King.

Many thanks from the family for such excellent care and concern while Miles was at CMMC and the Hospice House.