Richard Gordon Hawkins, 50, died at his lifelong home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Sept. 10, 2014. He was born in Spokane, Wash., on Feb. 9, 1964, to Ida Daugharty Hawkins and James W. Hawkins, M.D. He joined brothers and sisters Bob (Whiteley), Betsy, Mary, John and Ron.

Richard attended Coeur d'Alene grammar and high schools, graduating as a CHS Viking in 1983. He had a lifetime passion for sports beginning with his participation in park and recreation as a young boy. He was a member of the undefeated 1982 CHS Viking Football state championship team - football jersey No. 83. For him the win was important, but what he cherished the most was the lessons of teamwork and the sustaining friendships that were forged from that experience. He was proud to have had the opportunity to play football at University of Montana Western in Dillon, Mont.

Richard inherited his love for working outdoors from his grandfather Bud (Gordon) Daugharty. He worked in the outdoors for most of his working life performing a variety of roles that ranged from fire suppression to outdoor landscaping. In 1988, he successfully confronted his fear of heights and completed smokejumper training in McCall, Idaho. He was a valued crew member to two elite, nationally recognized wildland fire programs (El Cariso Hotshots, Cleveland National Forest and McCall Smokejumpers, Payette National Forest.) His courage and commitment to his fellow firefighters was always apparent. During Firestorm 1991, he was the divisional supervisor on the Garwood fire.

Richard had many loves in his life - family and friend gatherings, listening to music, playing guitar, fly fishing, watching classic movies, participating in football pools and playing baseball with his friends. He had fond memories of successfully coaching young kids in baseball and football including his own nephew. He was most happy when taking his dog, Bo, for a walk, cooking his famous barbecue ribs, spending time at the family lake cabin, making people laugh, sharing his music and helping others.

Richard was a devoted son who lovingly cared for his mom. They had many shared interests including sports and politics. He took on the role of a loving uncle by teaching his niece and nephews new skills like riding a bike, fly fishing and driving a car. As a third generation Idahoan, he was committed to honoring his family's heritage by caring for the Daugharty/Wilson family plots at the Clark Fork Idaho Cemetery every Memorial Day weekend.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, James W. Hawkins, M.D., and his loving dog, Bo. He is survived by his 92-year-old mother Ida Hawkins, brother and sisters: Bob Whiteley, Betsy Hawkins (George Butterfield), Mary Hawkins, John Hawkins, Ron Hawkins (Teresa) and nephews and nieces James "Ty" and Chelsea Dickinson, Ari and Mila Whiteley, Jared and Jasmine Cereghino.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, at the Human Rights Education Institute, 414 W. Mullan Road, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, at 11:30 a.m. with a reception immediately following. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be provided to Kootenai County Humane Society or a charity of your choice.