Sad News: Chris Hawkins

It's with great sadness that we tell you about the passing of Chris Hawkins, owner and founder of Haddenham Garden Centre.

Chris had been in hospital after a stroke in early January and passed away at Wycombe hospital on Wednesday 22nd February aged 77.

Chris founded Haddenham Garden Centre along with the help of his father Jack Hawkins in 1978, and was still very much a part of the business right up until he left us. Chris was a much loved husband to Margaret and Father to Stephen, Kate, and Ben, along with four Grandchildren.

Chris was born and raised in Pinner in the London Borough of Harrow. When he left school he did a five year engineering apprenticeship, this five years of working indoors made him want to have a complete change of career. He became a self-employed landscape gardener for 10 years, before he opened the Nurseries in 1978.

Jack Hawkins his father was a Manager at the Rolls-Royce Works at Leavesdon, Watford, and took early retirement to help Chris with his new business venture.

The Garden Centre has grown steadily over the years, and in 2018 the final part of the development began — including the new Gardener's Retreat Restaurant. Chris has always been so proud of the business and his family, and still kept a close eye on Stephen, Kate, and Ben to make sure they were on the right track!

Margaret his wife has been by his side for 55 years, and he couldn't have achieved all he did without her. He was loved greatly by his family and friends, and will be greatly missed by us all.

The funeral will take place on Saturday 18th March at Chilterns Crematorium, Amersham. Details still to be confirmed, but can be found out by contacting The Co-operative Funeralcare in Thame.

The Hawkins Family