Gary Robert Hawkins

AUGUSTA – Gary Robert Hawkins, 76, died Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, with family members by his side at MaineGeneral Medical Center following a long and productive life.

He was born in Augusta on July 4, 1948, the son of Robert Boyd and Arline (Lajoie) Hawkins. He grew up in Augusta and graduated from Cony High School in 1966. Following high school, “Hawk”, as his friends called him, was enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served six honorable years in the reserves.

Hawk worked a variety of jobs in his post-high school years. In 1976, he became a part-time writer in the Kennebec Journal sports department. By 1980, he had been promoted to full-time staff member. What started as a passion for local sports became a beloved career of 38 years. He said it was a blast.

But proving it wasn’t just about the infamously-lofty journalism paycheck, Hawk also volunteered his time mentoring countless youth athletes. Beginning in 1974, he started coaching junior high basketball and Babe Ruth baseball for St. Mary’s School (now St. Michael) in Augusta. He would frequently follow the high school careers of his players, even recalling specific championship performances many years later. In 2017, Hawk was inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame.

In 1978, Hawk met the love of his life, Railynn Smith of Gardiner. They began dating in 1981, at which time he let her call him Gary. They eventually had two children before settling into their Augusta home in 1988. Throughout their 40-year marriage, Gary and Railynn frequently spent time with family and friends, with a special pleasure for visiting the Maine coast. Boothbay Harbor became a particular joy as they spent many summer weeks there year after year.

After retirement, Hawk sought to support his lifelong love of golf with more than a pension could provide. He soon obtained work with St. Michael School, continuing his tradition of serving the youth of Augusta.

In addition to his love of golf, Hawk played many different sports throughout his life. He could often be found in basketball and softball leagues, and he would occasionally be spotted on a pair of skates at the ice arena in Hallowell or even the rink in his own backyard.

Hawk’s mother, Arline, was always the best cook in the family, but Hawk was a close second. He would effortlessly put together the best holiday meals, late-night cheeseburgers, and American chop suey. The grill on the back deck would only go into storage when the weather demanded it be so.

Hawk also loved to talk sports with friends and coworkers over a beer or two. One of his favorite watering holes was Lisa’s on Bangor Street. He had been a faithful patron since its days as Mike’s, and he visited there with friends and family for almost the entirety of his adult life.

Hawk’s great sense of dry humor was as understated as he was, and he had a much greater interest in others than himself, some of the reasons he had so many friends and admirers.

In addition to his wife of 40 years, Gary is survived by two sons, Ryan and his partner Justin of Gardiner; and Michael and his wife Jocelyn, also of Gardiner, and their children Theo, Kael, and Konnor. He is also survived by his brother, Bob, of Augusta, and his sons Tyler and Todd and their mother, Susanne, of Baltimore, Md.; his uncle Dick and Aunt Marion, former long-time residents of Augusta; and thousands and thousands of friends.

Visiting hours will be 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A celebration of life will follow from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Elks Lodge, 397 Civic Center Dr., Augusta.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

Hawk would be honored if donations could be made to the

St. Michael School

Athletic Program

56 Sewall St.

Augusta, ME 04330

In lieu of that, play a round or three for him.