John Alan Hawkins

When I first met Dr. Hawkins he was quiet and I was so incredibly frightened for the life of my new baby. He was initially hard for me to read. I wanted him to care about Savanah as much as I did. It was in the next year we stayed at Primary Childrens and subsequent visits and surgeries, I realized the magnitude of his caring. I saw him at all hours of the day and night following the care of my baby and so many other children. He was a miracle worker with no time off. I'm grateful for his dedication to his education, his technical perfection, and his willingness to give everything he had to help these little children. You are so loved, so admired, and so, so missed. Savanah is 11 and in the 5th grade..She has upcoming surgeries and I hope he will be guiding the hands of the next surgeon to work with Savanah. Thank you will never be enough. With our deepest and never ending gratitude. Myrna, Gerret, Elise, Ashley, Logan, Landon, and most of all.. Savanah Van Wagoner

Hello, I worked as an RN in the PICU at Primary Children's for 10 years and often cared for Dr. Hawkins' patients. He also operated on and saved my cousin's life. I have the utmost respect for his talent and devotion to his patients. He was a master at what he did and the community has definitely suffered an enormous loss with his passing. I am so sorry for your loss. He has been deeply missed since leaving the hospital. Sarah Roper, RN

John was a fellow pediatric cardiac surgeon for whom I held the greatest respect. In addition to being a talented physician, John was quite obviously a humble man full of integrity. I will miss seeing John at the meetings and I send to his family my deepest sympathy. Hal Walters MD Children's Hospital of MI Detroit, MI

Dear Hawkins family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember your family on the soccer field at Judge. All of the soccer girls would agree that the whole Hawkins family is the sweetest. I can picture John and Jenny smiling and cheering on the sidelines now. I have you all in my heart and thoughts. Brooke Diana class of '98

Dr. Hawkins was our rock as we navigated through our daughters diagnosis and subsequent surgeries. We trusted his mind and hands completely. He was frank and to the point and we always knew he cared. We have always felt he saved our daughters life. We are sorry for your loss- and thank you from the depths of our hearts for sharing your husband and father with us for a short time. Dr. Hawkins, we will never forget you.

Dr. Hawkins. Thank you for being my surgeon when i was born in 2000. You gave me my first pacemaker. I was told you were in surgery 16 straight hours prior to mine. You saved my life!! To the family I am sorry for your loss. May God be with you all. Mason

Dear Jenny Jim and I are in India and noticed John had passed away. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. You both have for a long time been important to us even though our paths did not pass often. No words can express how sorry we are. Take strength in knowing John was truly a gifted and wonderful man. Love Jim and Bonnie

Jenny, Jess and family, Our prayers have been with you since John's diagnosis and we will continue to pray for all of you. Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for all of you. We are so sorry for your loss. Mary, Kelly, Pat and Emily

Jenny & Family, I could not let this time go by without sending you my very deepest and sincerest condolences. I so appreciated all the years that I worked with John and knew him on a daily basis. I too, agree with others that he truly was a man of integrity and a gifted surgeon. I also knew him as a wonderful husband and father. John, and, you as a family, will always hold a very "special" place in my heart.

My prayers and thanks go out to this family. I know it must have been hard having him gone often but I want to thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful man with my family. Dr Hawkins did all of my 4yo sons heart surgeries giving him time with us we would not have had otherwise. I remember the first OHS when he had to come out and tell us he had to change the surgery plans, he told us personally not sending a nurse in his place and seemed worried that we would be disapointed in him. Quite the opposite! Dr. Hawkins was a miracle for my family, a true Hero, he will stay in our Hearts forever as his fingerprints etched into my sons life and heart as well.

To the Hawkins family ... our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of sadness and loss. We were blessed to have had him as our surgeon for my son Anthony in 1998 . He out of a handful of Dr.s is the one and only who gave us a glimmer of hope . He did our sons surgery for Transposition and saved his life . We are so greatful 13 yeas later to still have our son when without Dr. Hawkins input, gift and talent would not be here today . Thank you Thank you to a great man . We will forever be greatful . He will be missed .

Dear Annie, Sarah, and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Remember the good times with your dad and cherish them. Best wishes, Lindsey Wright

Dr. Hawking operated on our daughter's rare and nearly fatal heart defect in early 2005. We were told by all the staff that he was the very best and we agree. We are very grateful for his tireless service and brilliance. Our condolences to his family. God Bless!

Dr. Hawkins operated on my son and saved his life in January 2004. I am sorely regretting that I did not find a way to reach out to Dr. Hawkins two years ago when my then five-year-old asked if he "could meet the guy who fixed my heart." I myself would have loved to talk with him once again. I will and must forever be grateful to Dr. Hawkins for his incredible skill, his ability to fix the plumbing by doing an arterial switch on a baby! Truly amazing. On the day of my son's operation I recall saying to Dr. Hawkins, "Thank you for studying this." I was in awe at his abilities. He calmly told me, "I will take good care of him." I am sincerely sorry to his family for your loss. It definitely is too soon. I hope you find comfort in the fact that your husband/father saved many lives. What a legacy!

Dear Jenny and family, You have my deepest respect for the pain you feel. I am shaken and sadden at your loss. My hope for you is that, in time, your fondest memories may overcome some of the pain you feel. John was a wonderful and great man and I am so very thankful that you and he came to me when I was in need. I share in your tears of sorrow. Sincerely, Jane Sturtevant

Hawkins Family, Our beautiful daughter Stella Marie was one of the lucky children who had Dr. Hawkins as her surgeon. The morning of her surgery he said to us, "I'll take care of her like she was my own." We are so grateful for his skill as a surgeon but will always remember his kindness and humanity toward us at such a scary time in our lives. He will always hold a very special place in our hearts. We send our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Dear Jenny and family, I am so sorry to read the news of John's passing. He was an exceptional human being. My heart is with you.

Please accept my sincere codolences at this difficult time. I am so grateful to Dr. Hawkins for saving my beautiful great-grandson. His goodness will live on in the lives of these many children that he saved. Sincerely, Dorothy Merrill

While I only knew Dr. Hawkins in a professional capacity through the Newborn ICU at PCMC, he was one of the most inspirational men I've ever met. A truly gifted surgeon and a very caring and compassionate man. My sympathies to his family.

Dr. Hawkins operated twice on our baby girl, giving us the 7 months we had with her. Words cannot express our gratitude to this wonderful man who, for her second surgery, literally spent all day extending our daughters life. We are so grateful for the many hours of service and care he gave to our family. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Your family will be our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Hawkins Family, The community has lost a great father, son, husband, and surgeon. He saved our daughter Katie Lynn Mathews live numerous times. After a four month stay for total hear repair, Dr. Hawkins told us that he was going to give Katie a cookie bouquet - which he did. He went above and beyond for his patients. He gave us 15 wonderful years with her until her death July 14, 2010. Thanks again for sharing such a wonderful man with us parents. God Bless.

To the family of Dr Hawkins~ Dr Hawkins was such an amazing doctor. He was able to repair my child's sick heart. What was going to be a small surgery turned out to be a more challenging longer one. Without his knowledge and caring for children, he was able to repair my child's heart. I am very grateful that he was able to be in our lives for that time. I am truely sorry for your loss. He was an amazing doctor and surgeon. Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Brooke Williams

I worked as an RN in the SICU at the U and cared for Dr Hawkins's patients. I also knew him as an intern, and his daughters went to Rowland Hall with my daughter Danielle. His compassion towards his patients was unbelievable. He was always kind to the nursing staff as well. He was so enthusiastic with his children. He will be sorely missed in all arenas . What a man with integrity!My condolences to Jennie and the children!

We are the parents of one of the countless children rescued by Dr. Hawkins. Dr. Hawkins replaced a mitral valve ten years ago in our now 26 year old Down Syndrome son Nathan. Nathan used to joke with him after the surgery that Dr. Hawkins was the one who hurt him and made his chest sore. But, Nathan gave Dr. Hawkins lots of hugs. We were too adult to do so but we often wish we could have. He treated Nathan with the respect and love he seemed to show everyone. The poet said society would not last long without the men who live quietly, do good, accept responsibility, are courteous to others, and find mischief boring. You have the satisfaction of knowing Dr. Hawkins was one who kept many of us going. Bless you and your family.

Dear Hawkins family, I am thankful for the opportunity to express our love and condolences to your family at this difficult time. Our son Benjamin was one of the lucky children blessed to have Dr. Hawkins for a surgeon. He performed three open heart surgeries on Ben including a heart transplant in February of 2009. From the moment we first met Dr. Hawkins we were touched by his compassion and concern for our son and our family. He is truly a hero to our entire family and we could never begin to thank him for all he did for our son on so many occasions. I cannot tell you the full impact this one amazing man has had on our lives for the better; we even cheer for the Jayhawks now! Even though we do not know your family personally, we have been praying for you since we first learned of Dr. Hawkins diagnosis. We will miss him tremendously at Primary's. Everyone will. Our prayers will continue to be with your family. Thank you for your tremendous sacrifices over the years, so that Dr. Hawkins could mean so much to so many.

I never met a finer person.

Jenny and Family, I have worked at PCMC in the ICU with John since his residency years. We were all so happy when he came on staff with us at PCMC. He not only was a rare surgeon, but he stood up for the nurses and always treated us with the upmost respect. HIs bedside manners was unique as he would sit in a rocking chair all night as we worked to save a tiny patient getting up occasionally to push a little blood. (we would let him help a little) He would make comments of why he didn't just become a guitar player. One late night he was wondering what he should get you for a anniversary present. I told him diamonds, he laughed and said you were much too practical and wouldn't want diamonds. He also opperated on my neice 5 years ago for a vascular ring. Please know every day we are there in the CICU, there is a massive void, we all think about him daily. He will never be forgotten in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to have known and worked with him. My deeplest sympathy for all of your family. Jackie Arbanas R.N.

Dear Hawkins Family, I wish to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to you. I was very saddened to learn of Dr. Hawkins' passing, too soon. He was a truly gifted physician and surgeon, and a humble, caring compassionate person. Dr. Hawkins operated on our little daughter Melissa several times. After her open heart surgery in October 1996, he expressed his concern for the difficult time she had in surgery, and spent extraordinary time that evening in her post-operative care. That night he worried enough about her that he came in at 4 a.m. the next morning to check on her, and for the next 16 hours that Saturday he hardly left her bedside, personally overseeing her care. I am certain that it is only through heaven's miracles and the expert care from Dr. Hawkins that Melissa was able to pull through that day. I have never forgotten his kindness, compassion and concern. Words are inadequate to express my gratitude for his efforts. Melissa has since passed away, but we are so grateful for our time with her. If there is an afterlife, and I believe there is, I hope that my little daughter was one of the many who greeted Dr. Hawkins there in that heavenly place to thank him for the many miracles he worked for so many children here.

Please accept our condolences in this time of coming together as only a wonderful family such as you are now does. Having the opportunity to get to know Jess and the remarkable, strong person she is has got to be a direct result of having such loving and giving parents, as well as remarkable and strong. In prayer always, Heather, Darren, and Sabrina

Dear Hawkins Family, I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Hawkins passing. He was truly a gifted surgeon. He operated on my baby when she was 5 days old. He told us that her heart was the size of walnut. He was able to repair the many things wrong with her heart. She is now almost 7 and is healthy and so full of life. Our family will always be grateful for all Dr. Hawkins has given us. With Love, Jill Thompson

I was so so saddened to hear of Dr. Hawlins passing. I have only met him once, right after he saved my 2 week old baby's life. My son was born with an aortic coarchtation. I have been in awe of the dedicaton and talent of Dr. Hawkins to do such delicate intricate work on such a tiny aorta. He is my hero. I hope your memories and pride comfort yor at this time. Dr. Hawkins leaves a legacy in all the children and people he has touched with his gifts, and I'm sure everyone he knew. That 2 week old baby is a now a thriving rambunctious 3 year old boy, and because of Dr. Hawking, he will be a fine unstanding man. Thank you.

I would like to send my prayers out to Dr Hawkins family. John saved my daughter Kristina's life with his wisdom, knowledge and intuition.We are so gifted to have her with us today.I am a mother and also a musician that will continue to support research in his honor. John's compassion for these children have given us hope for the future.May God bless you all, for he is dearly missed by many. We continue to support his cause by attending the camp and donating to "The children's Heart foundation"Jeanne ,Thomas, Michael and Kristina Logan

Dear Dr. Hawkins Family, I have heard about the news and just wanted to tell you a little about what I can do because he was such a good doctor....well I can dance and do many soccer teams and many other stuff. If you don't know who I am, I am Nate who has half a heart. I'm now 9 years old. Thanks for everything!! Nathan Hancock

Dear Hawkins Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I worked as an RN at PCMC with John Hawkins as part of the Surgical Quality Improvement Team. He was one of the kindest, nicest, most honorable men I have known. The words integrity and caring describe him best. Hr was so good to his patients and to those who worked with him.He was truly a good man and I know that he is very much missed. I am so thankful to have known him. May God bless each of you and someday may you all be reunited again forever.

My deepest condolences go to your family. We met Dr. Hawkins in Nov. of 2000 when our son was born with transposition of the great arteries. It is because of him that we have a healthy and happy 10 year old today. We are eternally grateful. The Dalton Family

Dr. Hawkins saved my son, Curtis Undaunted, Jr's life. CJ was born July 23, 2001 and Dr. Hawkins over the next three years performed three open heart operations. I feel so blessed to have known your husband and father. JOHN MADE A DIFFERENCE! Sincerely, A Happy Father

As first time parents we were already in a whirlwind of the unknown. Then our daughter had a heart issue on top of that. It turned our world upside down. Then we met Dr. Hawkins who performed surgery and ultimately saved her life. We will be ever greatful to him. We are so sorry for your loss. The short time we knew him he touched our hearts (literally) and you should be proud to have had him as family. God Bless

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We just learned of Dr. Hawkin's passing. Dr. Hawkins was our daughters surgeon in 1996. He was so caring. Our daughter was hemorrhaging after her surgery. Your husband and father had to cancel the rest of his cases for the day and he missed a family event to stay by my daughters bedside. He took her back to the O.R. He was a truly working in Gods Hands. Thank you for the sacrifices you made to share John with all of his patients.

We only had a brief encounter with Dr. Hawkins, but it left an impact on us that will follow us for the rest of our lives. He performed surgery on our new born son Shawn in 2001, saving his life. I recall how much he was in the zone and I felt like I could literally see him visualizing the surgery as he explained it. I knew we were in good hands when this happened as you could see the passion he had for his craft. It seems that the greatest among us leave us before they should, but his contribution filled many lifetimes and provided so many with life that would otherwise be lost. Our Deepest condolences on your families loss.

In 2001 Dr. Hawkins performed a surgery on my son. I am forever grateful for the pure talent and devotion he had for my son. He saved his life. Without the surgery he wouldn't be the eleven year old full of energy he is today. I am sorry for the families loss. Dr. Hawkins is a angel that I will never forget. Thank you.

Only today have I discovered the passing of this great man. Dr. Hawkins gave me and my family what no other could – six years with an amazing daughter who suffered throughout her short life with several heart defects. To say I am profoundly grateful is an understatement. This amazing gift was beyond anything I could ever hope to repay. Dr. Hawkins was always so humble and caring throughout my daughter's life and necessary treatments. He seemed to suffer almost as much as we did when she passed after complications in her final surgery. His offer of support and communication were heartfelt and genuine. His skill was beyond compare. Even with the loss of our daughter, I knew there was only one man I would trust with the life of my child should the need arise in the future – Dr. Hawkins. Thank you for the six tremendous years you gave us with our little girl. I am eternally grateful.

Today is Seth Boyce 18th Birthday. He was born with transposition of the great arteries and was a very sick new born. Every five years I would write Dr. Hawkins and thank him for saving my sons life but I was sad to hear of his passing. Even though we only met a few time on a professional basis he will forever be loved by the Boyce family in Boise Idaho. Seth has had no complications since his surgery and we know it is because of the blessing of having Dr Hawkins as his surgeon and the help from our Heavely Father. We just love that man for saving our sons life. He will forever be in our heart and thoughts.