Wilford Eugene Hawkins, 92

Wilford Eugene Hawkins, "Opa," 92, passed away peacefully with his family nearby on March 22, 2015 in Coeur d'Alene, Id. A veteran of World War II, he served two tours; first in the Navy in the Pacific and then in the Army in Berlin.

Wilford was born to Sanford and Mami Hawkins on Sept. 2, 1922 in Ashton, Kansas. He grew up on a farm and attended school in Geuda Springs, Kansas. Shortly after he turned 18, he enlisted in the Navy. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and worked as boiler firemen in the engine room of several ships. He worked his way through several ranks and finally became a 3rd class Petty officer when his tour of duty was complete in 1944. In 1948, he got called back into the military and enlisted in the Army. He was sent to Berlin, Germany in an occupational force. He lived on an Army base and worked as an engineer and received numerous medals. In 1951 Wilford met a German woman named Ursula Fitzner and they fell in love. In 1952 he was sent back to the United States, settled in Oklahoma, and quickly sent for Ursula. Six months later Ursula, and her cat Mushie, arrived by train in Ponca City, OK. They were married a short time later, she was 28 and he was 31.

A year later they moved to North Idaho and Wilford started a 10 year career in mining for Bunker Hill followed by a 23 year career as a boiler fireman at Diamond International. During his retirement years Wilford worked on a ranch in Rathdrum owned by his former son-in-law, Mike Brunner's uncle, Father Mike Scarcello, a Catholic priest in the Rathdrum Parish. For many years Wilford helped Father Mike fix fences, feed cattle, hay and do general ranch duties. He enjoyed staying active and being on the farm near the animals and in the fresh air. Wilford was close to the Brunner family.

Wilford and Ursula raised their kids in the Coeur d'Alene area. Wilford was a loving and caring father and husband. Wilford was the silent wise type, always smiling, laughing and had a story to tell. He had a heart for kids, always keeping a keen eye on his daughters and grandchildren. He was fondly called "Opa" by all his grandkids, their friends, and the neighborhood kids. We will miss him deeply.

Wilford is survived by his wife, Ursula Hawkins, and two daughters and their families. Laurie Hawkins Brunner, Fred Eakin, and Brendon Ewell of San Jose, CA. And Monica Hawkins Salois, Dave Salois, and granddaughter Nicole Salois of Coeur d'Alene, ID, and Raquel Salois and her daughters Valentina Salois and Olivia Johnson of Boston, MA. He is also survived by two sisters, Darlene Winters and Esther Criman of Wichita, Kansas.

Services will be held Saturday, March 28th, at 2:00pm at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, 744 North 4th Street, Coeur d'Alene, Id 83814. He will be put to rest at the Forest Cemetery. Please visit his online memorial and sign his guest book at HYPERLINK "http://www.yatesfuneralhomes.com/obituary" \o "blocked::http://www.yatesfuneralhomes.com/obituary" \t "_blank" www.yatesfuneralhomes.com/obituary. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.