John Hawthorn

In Loving Memory of John C. Hawthorn

May 28, 1939 – September 7, 2026
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of a devoted husband, father, and steward of the woods. John Hawthorn, 87, of Ladysmith, B.C., peacefully passed away on September 7, 2026.

He was born in Kyoto, Japan on May 28, 1939. He has now been reunited with those who went before him, predeceased by his loving parents, Tora and Henry, his brothers, Alan and Jim, and his cherished daughter, Seren, whom he carried closely in his heart.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Maureen, who was his steadfast partner through all of life's journeys. He leaves behind his surviving children, daughter Carys and son David.

A proud alumnus of the University of British Columbia, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and went on to build a career spanning decades in the heart of British Columbia’s forest industry. As a Registered Professional Forester (R.P.F.) and a committed member of both the Canadian Institute of Forestry.
In 1978, while serving as the Manager of Forestry and Engineering for Doman Forest Products Ltd. in Duncan, B.C. and later, as Area Manager for Western Forest Products Ltd. in Vancouver, B.C., His passion for the industry eventually led him to establish Hawthorn Forestry Inc., where he spent many proud years’ operating his own successful contracting business.

Beyond his professional life, his truest joy was found in the company of those he held dear. He absolutely loved the outdoors and treasured every moment spent sharing stories and laughter with his family and friends. He had a deep affection for animals and, looked forward to going on many a walk with the family dogs throughout the neighbourhood.

For many years, he volunteered his professional expertise with the Advisory Planning Commission. Equally passionate about people, John was a familiar face at the Ladysmith Seniors Centre, where he loved volunteering and chatting with his many friends.

An energetic and active soul, he had a lifelong passion for sports. Whether he was out fishing on the water, swimming, walking the fairways for a round of golf, playing field hockey, or going for a run, he embraced the vitality of a life in motion.
His connection to the earth extended to his own backyard, where he took great pleasure in gardening and planting many a tree, leaving the world a little greener and more beautiful than he found it.

His legacy lives on in the forests of British Columbia, the gardens he tended, and the family he loved so deeply.

Condolences may be offered to the family at Telford Memorial

https://telfordtoneffboyd.ca/obituaries/john-hawthorn