We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Hartley Weston “Wes” Hawes, CD (Ret’d) of Cultus Lake BC in the Abbotsford General Hospital on 20 November 2021 at the age of 83 years.

Wes was born in Hazel Hill, Guysboro County NS. The oldest of seven children, he left Nova Scotia for Montreal QC at the age of 18 to join his parents who were already there. Wes worked at various jobs in the Montreal area before travelling west to Alberta where he worked on different pipeline projects.  Wes joined the Canadian Armed Forces in Calgary in 1960 for what was to become a 22-year career with the Canadian Military Engineers. After completing his basic Sapper training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, he was posted to 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack. Other postings during his career included 4 Field Squadron in Werl Germany, 5^e Escadron du Genie du Canada in Valcartier QC and the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC. 

Wes retired at the rank of Warrant Officer in 1982 after 22 years of service. Upon retirement, Wes and his wife travelled extensively. Spring and Summer involved fishing many lakes in the Caribou and Chilcotin Country…in the Fall, trips were made up the Alaska highway for deer and moose…and Winters were spent in Arizona and Mexico. One year they packed up their motor home and were gone for five months travelling across Canada and down through the USA. A great crib player, Wes always had time to sit down and play a game.

Funeral services will be held on 11 December 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch on Vedder Road Chilliwack. Proof of COVID vaccination is required to attend. On line condolences can be sent to the funeral home.