LONGVIEW – Christopher “Chris” G. Hawkins, 88, died of pneumonia and heart failure at Frontier Rehab in Longview on March 11, 2010. Born Dec. 25, 1921, in Castleford, Idaho, he was the son of Della Qualls and Grundy Byrd Hawkins.

Growing up on a farm, it didn’t take him long to know there were better opportunities and adventures than farming. Before he was drafted, he worked on fighter ships for the war effort. He then served as a corporal in 473rd Infantry, 5th division, and was stationed in Italy from 1944 until the end of the war. In 2009, he rode in the Loyalty Day Parade, proud to be one of the few WWII veterans residing on the Peninsula.

He and Helen Hittner, of Yakima, were married on Sept. 11, 1940; they had three daughters. Together they bought property at Klipsan Beach in 1964 and came up from Portland every weekend to work on the house. This house remained in the family until the early ’90s.

Mr. Hawkins worked for Mercer Industries in Portland, retiring in 1980. Besides his job he liked woodworking projects and loved fishing, boating and playing cribbage. He also saved commemorative coins. In Portland he was a charter member and president of the VFW in Portland, Post 4248.

After moving to the Peninsula full time in 1990, he joined the Eagles, Elks and Moose lodges. He volunteered in several capacities, the latest being in charge of the bottle raffle at the Elks.

Survivors include his three daughters, twins Karen (Leighton) and Carol (Black), and Tammy Domres; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild as well as his companion of 14 years, Joyce Mikulecky of Long Beach. His wife Helen died of breast cancer in November 1989. Also preceding him in death are two older brothers, Eugene and Glenwood, and sister Dene Black.

A memorial service was held in Portland on April 10. A private burial at Willamette Cemetery with full military honors was held earlier. On Saturday, April 17, at 1 p.m., a celebration of his life will be held at the Long Beach Elks Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Susan G. Komen Cancer Society.