Christopher Chris N. Hawkins, 77, passed away on May 4, 2026, while walking on the Airline trail with his wife, Susie and their dog, Priscilla one of the many places they loved to walk together.

Chris was born on June 25, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, to Grant and Doretha (Meade) Hawkins. He grew up in Farmington Hills, Michigan, where he attended high school before continuing his education at Salem College in West Virginia. Football was a lifelong passion for Chris, beginning at Clarenceville High School, continuing at Salem College, and later with the United States Marine Corps football team.

A proud veteran, Chris served in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, where he rose to the rank of Major and served as Aide-de-Camp to two Generals. Chris valued the lifelong camaraderie of the Marine Corps and sincerely greeted any fellow Marine he met with Semper Fi. His years in the Marines reflected the qualities that defined him loyalty, generosity, strength, discipline, humility and a sense of duty.

Chris later earned a second bachelor's degree in accounting from Eastern Connecticut State University. He built a successful career in accounting and finance, working for a variety of companies including MassMutual, The Hartford, Webster Bank, and Mystic Seaport before retiring several years ago.

Chris married the love of his life and best friend, Susie Hendrickson, in Baltimore, Maryland, beginning a partnership filled with adventure, devotion, and fun. Chris and Susie shared 51 years of marriage, creating a life centered around love, family, and simple joys.

Chris was also a loving and devoted dad to his daughter, Katy. He faithfully attended her sporting events, followed her teaching adventures and travels, and celebrated each of her accomplishments with unwavering pride and support.

Chris cared deeply for animals, especially the many beloved rescue pets that became part of the family. He found joy being on the water from sailing on the Chesapeake to adventures by kayak, trips aboard the Argia and the Bluenose, as well as sailing on the 38th voyage of the Charles W. Morgan. Chris would swim just about anywhere, but especially loved taking a dip in Lake George, NY or body surfing waves in the ocean. He enjoyed finding old stone walls, reading Civil War History and birdwatching. In the kitchen, he was known for homemade pies, zucchini bread, burgers on the grill, delicious macaroni salad and the best breakfast sandwiches. One of his favorite places was sitting on the front porch in their Vermont cottage overlooking Lake Champlain, taking in the peace and beauty of the world around him.

Chris will be remembered for his kind heart, generosity, and remarkable memory for dates and historical facts. He especially appreciated the sweetness of ordinary days running errands, having a coffee and a Danish from Angelos Bakery, reading the newspaper in his recliner, and watching sports, especially UConn Huskies Basketball, New England Patriots, and Michigan Wolverines.

He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Susie Hawkins; his daughter, Katy Hawkins and her husband, Jordan Davis; his siblings, David Hawkins and Susan Gibb; and many extended family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Ann Hawkins, Nancy Schneider, Jeffery Hawkins, Joel Hawkins, Martha Sarnowski, Jim Hawkins, and Timothy Hawkins.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place, and his ashes will be scattered in some of his favorite places among the trails, waters, forests, and landscapes he loved so much.