Aged 80 years, passed peacefully on November 9, 2025.
Son of Edna Fairhurst and Robert Hawkes, he was predeceased in 2018 by his wife Bunny of 49 years. He is survived by his daughters Kimberley and Jennifer, along with his brother Bruce (Maria) his nephew Adrian, and his beloved maltipoo dog named Bobby.
Born and raised in Victoria, Bill will be best remembered as the friendly face at the service desk of his Island Muffler and Brake Shop, which he ran for over 50 yrs with his partner and good friend since high school, Richard Graham.
Bill frequency attended races on the sprint car racing circuit as a sponsor and was an avid follower and frequent attendee of the Reno Air Races, enjoying racing and competition in many forms.
His hobby of radio control aircraft took him to events throughout BC, Alberta, and Washington State where he was an active participant. Bill’s absolute happy place was flying, and many of his fondest memories involved spending time with his close buddy Wayne Powell, whom he had flown with since the early eighties in the field behind Belmont Secondary School in Langford.
Bill was always willing to pitch in with whatever was needed at an event. His quiet, low-key support of many contests including the Canadian F3A teams and Victoria’s Largest Little Airshow reflected his love of the hobby and support of his community.
People of Bill’s character are to be cherished; positive, quietly successful, unwaveringly supportive and always putting the needs of others before their own. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to give a donation in his memory, please consider an animal related charity or the BC Cancer Agency.
