David Hawkins RIP

It is with sadness that we report the death of David Hawkins last Thursday following a long illness.

David was a member of St. John the Baptist in Fladbury (between Pershore and Evesham) for many years and served in a number of diocesan roles. He was Chair of the House of Laity, Vice President of Diocesan Synod and a long-standing member of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches. David was also very active in the national church as Co-convenor of the Diocesan Lay Chairs of the Church of England as well as serving on General Synod and the Church Buildings Council.

David was the first recipient of the Cross of St Wulfstan, which was presented to him by Bishop John in 2011 to mark his outstanding contribution to the life of the Church in the Diocese of Worcester as well as the wider community.

Former Secretary of the DAC, John Dentith writes: 

"As well as being knowledgeable and experienced, David was hugely enthusiastic, constantly wanting to encourage parishes to be ambitious for their buildings and to commit to repairs or alterations of the highest order. He was also keen to encourage re-ordering of churches to make them more accessible but also fit for wider and varied uses.

David’s knowledge and willingness to help became more widely known and he began to be consulted by other dioceses, some in the East Midlands but others farther afield. He became a member of the DAC in the diocese of St Edmondsbury and Ipswich. 

It could be said that David never really retired, it was more that his progressive illness gradually overtook him."

David is survived by his wife Margaret. Together they have six children and a number of grandchildren. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.