Ron Gutman
From the Hightest in Me!
To the Highest in You!
I Honor Your Path, Just as You Honor My Path
Charles Walter Hawkins, a wonderful, warm man, loved by many, passed away at his home in Santa Cruz on Monday, August 2nd, 2010, at the age of 71. Born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the Cherokee capital of the world, Charles was a direct descendant of the Chiefs and Shamans of the Muscogee and Cherokee nations. His Indian heritage remained the centerpiece of his study, experiences and teaching through out his life. Charles proudly came to be known as "Crowman" ~ a modern Indian Shaman.
For the past 20 years Charles had been actively engaged in a wide range of programs in Santa Cruz and San Jose as a guide, counselor and spiritual leader. He was the co-host of San Jose's Awareness Network and led 80 Vision Quest groups in Mt Shasta, Big Sur and the Pacific Coast. Charles will be remembered for the passion he had for his spiritual work, his belief in the transforming power of love, and the essential alignment of heart, mind, spirit, with the Great Spirit.
One of Charles' basketball friends introduced him to Linda Johnson, in 1987. The couple shared many similar interests - from tennis to art - and were married two years later under a full moon by their beloved minister, Rev. Emily Sanford, at the Unity Temple of Santa Cruz. Emily encouraged Charles in his growth as a spiritual leader and teacher of Vision Quest. In his last years, Charles continued to listen daily to Rev. Emily's timeless prayers and sermons from the 90s.
Charles and Linda pursued numerous activities together, from house renovation and resale, to attending local clubs, including SC Downtown Toastmasters, the Healing Connection and The Awareness Network in San Jose. Together, they enjoyed a spiritually rich and interesting life for over 23 years.
Charles had a special love for the outdoors and enjoyed bird watching, reading, and traveling. He and Linda traveled extensively for years, forming many friendships with people across the globe. One of their fondest memories was a trip they made to Japan where they met a Zen Buddhist master in Mt Hiei, Kyoto. They formed a strong connection with the Zen master, and continued their visits for three years, learning more about Buddhism and meditation. A 2003 trip to Machu Picchu in Peru has remained another travel high point.
Charles's buoyant spirit will be greatly missed by all! He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Oral and Grace Hawkins, and his brother, James Hawkins. He is survived by his wife Linda Johnson-Hawkins of SC, his brother Doug Hawkins of Oklahoma, and his son, Devin Hawkins, of Las Vegas.
A Celebration of Charles Crowman's life was held at Unity Temple of Santa Cruz, August 22, 2010
Gifts to Charles Hawkins Memorial Fund 2522 Charlene Lane SC, CA 95062.
Born in Stockton, California August 8, 1957. He was loved by his family and by many friends.
All knew that he always had their best interest at heart. Ron's steadfast loyalty and never-ending willingness to help defined the nature of his relationships. He graduated with honors from high school, where he played trombone in the marching and concert band. He studied electrical engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and at the beginning of the high tech revolution he began his career in the Silicon Valley. He was involved with the earliest of holography and lasers and then went on to be a Quality Engineer. He loved to take things apart and to put things together. This was the basis for his engineering success, as well as his skills for repairing cars and his talent for remodeling houses.
He went on to earn a general contractor's license and also worked in real estate. Ron was close with his family and with the many circles of friends that he established. He was so proud of his nieces and nephew and the wonderful people they are becoming. He cared about his roots and he searched deep into the universe for answers. As his body challenged him, he diligently applied all he had learned about the world around him to the world inside of him. He made it his business to rebuild his body into a new body. He overcame impossible odds to accomplish what he accomplished. Ron's love and his courage, his tenacity and his loyalty were the compass rose of his being.
Service held: May 12, 2010, Cemetery:Temple Israel Cemetery
1110 East Acacia St. Stockton, California 95205