LaMar Roy Hawkins

Roy LaMar Hawkins, 90, passed away on September 1, 2016 in Vernal, Utah with his children by his side. LaMar was born April 23, 1926 in American Fork, Utah to Anna Marcelle Meyer and Arthur E Hawkins. He was active in team sports and boxing as a youth and loved to cause mischief around town. He attended school in American Fork and joined the US Navy Seabees before graduating high school in 1943. He was involved in battles such as Saipan and Okinawa during his service. After returning home from WWII, LaMar moved to the Uintah Basin and purchased Vernal Bakery. He married Reba Lou Goss in Vernal in 1950, where they raised their children Rick, Greg and Marcy. The Hawkins family lived for skiing, camping, fishing and hunting. They spent countless weekends as a family at Grizzly Ridge where Rick, Greg and Marcy learned and excelled at skiing. After 10 years at the Vernal Bakery, LaMar, Ralph Preece and Lynn King opened Western Living in 1956 where they sold sporting goods, appliances and furniture with carpet from Carpets by Cal. About a year later he became the sole owner and continued to be involved in the business for the next 60 years. LaMar was a member of the Jaycees and other civic organizations and was very active in the community. He, along with many others, gave their money, equipment and time to build the first ball fields in the area so the youth could play sports. He was at his best - and best behavior - around the youth while coaching little league, scouting or other activities. LaMar later married Virginia Scott Garner and enjoyed many years of travel, golf and hosting parties together until her passing in 2003. Cooking and baking were some of his talents many got to enjoy, including grilling steaks, homemade pies at Thanksgiving or his famous chocolates over the holidays. There was hardly a place to even sit in his house when it was chocolate making time. He loved to host parties where he would star as the chef and entertainment for the evening. Whether it was playing golf, cards, in business or anything else, LaMar was competitive. He had a drive to overcome obstacles many wouldn't even try. He loved playing golf with the "Wild Bunch" or "Noon Group" and the relationships he developed so many. For most people, LaMar is better known as Hawkeye, Hawky-Puck, Hawk, Sandbagger, Papa Hawk and probably a few other names that shouldn't be repeated. Papa's sense of humor and quick wit were unmatched. Even in his later years, he had a quick comeback for nearly any situation. Although imperfect, he was filled with goodness and charity and made those around him smile and not take life so seriously. Even though LaMar didn't concern himself with what others thought of him, he was always concerned and with the needs of those around him, especially his family. He influenced many throughout the years as an employer, Scout leader, coach, friend and community leader. He gave to others throughout his life in ways that usually went unnoticed. Papa loved to watch his kids and grandkids succeed. As he slowed down a bit the last few years, he watched his granddaughter Erin's husband, Jimmy Walker, compete on the PGA Tour. Papa praised Jimmy when he played well and let everyone know what he needed to fix when he didn't. Jimmy recently won the PGA Championship, one of golf's four majors. After the win, Papa's granddaughter Megan put it, "Papa's life is now complete." LaMar is survived by his brother Gene of Salt Lake, daughter Marcy (Mark) Stiegemeier of Park City, sons Rick (Kathy) Hawkins and Greg (Tamara Hawkins both of Vernal), Norm Sellers of Costa Mesa, CA; daughter, Melinda (Shane) Rollins of Vernal along with grandkids Travis (Angela) Hawkins, Rob Hawkins, Cydne (Chris) Wright, Erin (Jimmy) Walker, Amy (Barry) Ewell, Sean (Royale) Stiegemeier, Tim (Jacquelyn) Hawkins, Amanda (Mike) Wilson, Megan Hawkins, Blake Rollins, Brian Grizzard, and 16 great-grandkids. Services will be held Thursday, September 8 at 11am at the Vernal 3rd Ward LDS Chapel by the Temple with internment in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of the Vernal Blackburn Mortuary. A viewing will be held Wednesday, September 7 from 6:30-7:30pm at the Blackburn Mortuary and one hour prior to the services at the chapel. And one last reminder from Papa Hawk, remember to enjoy life and "Do as I say and not as I do." www.blackburnvernalmortuary.com