Darlene Ellen Hawke

With sadness but with gratitude for having had her in our lives, we say goodbye to Darlene.

Darlene was the `entertainer’ in the family and her enthusiasm was infectious!

She was born in Ottawa to Reginald and Hellen Hawke.  One of five daughters, she had a ready-made audience and cast of characters to hone her skills.

At an early age she was telling jokes and creating and producing skits for family and friends with her four sisters in tow.  This early creativity blossomed and shone as she continued to write poems, songs, plays and books.  Family events and milestones fueled her creativity…and nothing could stop that train of thought of hers once it got rolling! She wrote songs for birthdays, family reunions, Christmas & Easter celebrations and remembrances of loved ones.  She wrote a play for her sister Heather’s wedding, one for her nephew Mitch, and even co-authored a book to commemorate a loved-one’s life.  This was one talented lady.

Darlene lived in British Columbia for most of her adult life and loved being in nature.  Not satisfied simply with a nice walk in the park, she was a real off-the-grid camper.  Once again, it was so easy and fun to get caught up in her excitement as she led you out of your comfort zone and into something completely unexpected. And you were always glad you went along for the ride.

Darlene was passionate about studying, learning and practicing the Healing Arts.  She was a gifted Massage Therapist and loved to use her knowledge and experience to help others heal. Her knowledge and determination were very evident in the past few years while she was challenged with her own health issues.

Darlene is survived by her sisters Heather (Doug), Bettyann (Steve) and Linda (Jim) and her nephew Mitchell (Sarah).

The family would like to thank the staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Palliative for their care and caring.  And a special thank-you to the entire staff of the Palliative ward at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital who honoured Darlene’s uniqueness with compassion and kindness in her final weeks.  We also extend heart-felt gratitude to Darlene’s devoted friends. David Brown opened his heart and his home to her. Phoebe Addison provided attentive, loving care. Their friendship and selflessness truly were gifts.

A Celebration of Life will be held at on Wednesday, August 17th, 2022 at 12pm at the Burgoyne United Church on Salt Spring Island (2150 Fulford-Ganges Road) with Interment to take place at the Burgoyne Church Cemetery. The Celebration will include an opportunity for anyone who wishes to share a story or memory of our dear Dar. If you will not be attending in person, please consider sending us something in writing to be shared on the day. A reception will follow at the Burgoyne School Farm at 2143 Fulford-Ganges Road. Please confirm your attendance to Linda at: 250-538-7052 or hawkelly_ljh@hotmail.com

That magnetic, unique, resourceful, focused, creative, determined, fun-loving spirit that is Darlene is not gone….. just search your heart…you`ll find her there.