Perry Wayne Hawkins of Hermiston passed away unexpectedly in Hermiston on Jan. 26, 2023 at the age of 61.
He was born on Aug. 14, 1961 in Dallas to Ennis “E.T.” and Sandra “Sandy” Burns Hawkins.
Perry moved to Eastern Oregon with his family in the late 1960s. They lived near Boardman for a few years before moving to Hermiston in the mid-1970s. He graduated from Hermiston High School in the class of 1979. After high school he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a fireman. He returned to Hermiston after his honorable discharge.
Perry married Toni Carden in Hermiston on Aug. 14, 2006.
Perry worked in various jobs throughout his life. In 2003 he founded Hawkins Interior Services, offering real estate inspections and contracting services. He took pride in offering clients his best and was always available to share his vast knowledge. He sat on the board of directors and served as president of the American Institute of Inspectors. Later he developed and taught accredited inspection educational training classes for AII. Perry also served on the Oregon Construction Contractors Board Home Inspector Advisory Committee.
Perry was a man of many passions and interests. He enjoyed classic cars and won many car show events with his Pontiac muscle car. In his youth he was a huge fan of the group KISS, and he continued to carry his love for music throughout his lifetime. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed kayaking, boating, water skiing, snow skiing and many other adventures. He was a lively, social, outgoing person who also cared deeply for other people and had no limits to helping others. He was instrumental in the efforts to build the Hermiston Senior Center and was involved with the reorganization of the American Institute of Inspectors when they were at a crossroads. He loved his five children and five grandchildren and gave of himself tirelessly to care for his family.
Perry lived a full and happy life. All those who loved him dearly will never forget his tenacity, wit, charm and undying love and caring for them. He will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
He is survived by his wife, Toni; children, Shandi Srimoukda, James Long, Dillon Carden, Jade Carden, and Abigail Hawkins; grandchildren, Nievieaa, Khasen, Ronan, Aria, and Larenzo; parents, Ennis “E.T.” and Sandy Hawkins; brother, Jeffrey Hawkins; nephew, Randy Dickenson; niece, Natasha Barron; niece, Brittney Votava; and many extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Jaime.
A celebration of life will be held at the Hermiston Senior Center on Saturday, March 4 at 11 a.m.
A private interment will be in the Hermiston Cemetery.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
