OBITUARIES

My strongest memory of Ralph was something he taught me so many years ago....."take charge of the situation, don't let it take charge of you" RIP.... ~Rick McAllister

Ralph was one of the most dedicated, passionate and resilient people that I've ever had the privilege of knowing. His expertise in the field of EMS was absolutely second to none. The lessons he taught me, not only in emergency medical services, but also with his business acumen, ability to deal with people and persistence in every undertaking were all lessons I'll never forget. He provided a work environment filled with excitement, instilled a drive for professionalism, an appreciation for perfection, facilitated a systematic approach for handling every situation and allowed me to make and keep life long friends. Even though I hadn't seen Ralph in decades, the lessons learned stayed with me my entire life and I feel a deep sense of grief with this great loss. RIP Mr. Hawkins, you're one of the very few people who truly made a difference on many levels. My undying respect is yours and my heart goes out to his family. Respectfully, Jeff Hanna

It is with great sadness that I am saying goodbye to my mentor and former employer, Ralph Hawkins. In the late 70's, when I started working at Hawkins Ambulance Service, I was young and eager to learn everything that there was about being an ambulance driver. Ralph taught me that there was so much more than that to the job and for being one of his employees. Ralph taught me that one must become trained and certified but the important part to being a successful, professional, compassionate, patient oriented person, also dedicated their life to providing the best quality care to every patient, regardless of the nature of the call. I knew from that moment that this would be a man that I would learn to look up to. I respected his way of thinking. I completed my training and became an EMT and worked alongside several skilled, hard working employees and we were like a family while at work only. Ralph in addition to sending us to be certified, held extra on the job training classes. Ralph taught advanced first aid to us and we often discussed scenarios that we could encounter or often we discussed how we had handled a unusual situation that we had came upon and how we handled it and open it up to suggestions from coworkers on how they might have done something different. Then we would ask "The Man" how he would have handled it. I won't say that Ralph and I never butted heads, but that was expected in the job. I am a better and wiser person today for having studied and learned under in my opinion "The First and The Best Man Of EMS For Ashtabula County. Rest In Peace Sir ~Debbie Headley Guerin

Although I was only a kid, I remember him, and that he had Hawkins Ambulance service. He was such a good man. Everyone liked him. I'm sure he will be greatly missed. He had a very full life and helped so many people. ~Steve and Karen Harchalk

So sorry for your loss, my first husband was a dispatcher for him. He thought alot of Ralph ~Kim M.

I am so sorry to hear about Ralph. I worked for him the the late70's as an ambulance attendant. He was a very understanding boss always willing to teach his employees to be better workers. He will be missed by many. ~Robert (Bob) Welker

Ralph was my great uncle & was my 1st contact with my biological family. Sad he has pased & prayers for my family! ~Lora Peaspanen

My sister Nancy and I want to thank everyone who is visiting this memorial, for your kind words. My Dad was an ambitious man from a very young age. He had a dance band in high school. And owned his own business by age 26. He was active in the community around him, and was involved in many activities and projects. But what I am most proud of, is his volunteer work, the many people he helped, and the many lives he saved through his profession. My Dad was ahead of his time in the ambulance and rescue squad business back in his younger years. Whether it was a mountain rescue, water, someone trapped, buried,or pinned in or under a car,....My father had a special ability, to figure out a way to free the victim, with the least amount of harm. He never gave up, no matter how hopeless it seemed. Even when others were ready to. And he saved a lot of lives as result. While going through his personal things, my sister and I found many letters of appreciation, not just from organizations. But many were from just regular folks, my Dad helped or saved over the years. Thats what means the most at a time like this. To know he helped so many people 💗 He had a great sense of humor. And was known by many as "Mr Pride and Joy". If you don't know what that means, ask me some time. And I will explain it. 😆 He was a fierce Patriot. And Politics and Football were two common ground subjects my Dad and I could agree on, and spend a lot of time talking about. We are both huge Ohio State Buckeye fans, and yes.. we are two life long Cleveland Browns fans. Even when it wasn't cool. I will miss them those long talks after the games. Dear Dad.. I will miss you dearly. But I know you will be around me all the time. I will be wearing your Browns, or Buckeye shirts when I watch the games next year. And I will know and feel you watching with me. Someday I will join you in our Father's kingdom. And we will still watch those games together from the other side. ....And if the Browns ever do get their "stuff" together, and make it to the Super Bowl, I will make sure I go. And I will buy and extra seat beside me, just for you. So you can be there with me. Until I see you again Dad..I love you. ~Becky Rebecca Hawkins...Ralph's Daughter

I remember his jokes the most... We were supposed to go see Cleveland vs Steelers but we lost contact.. I'm so sorry about your loss. ~Kerry Shaffer

I also want to share my favorite memory of my Dad.... When I was 7 or 8 years old. I was very very sick one Christmas. I couldn't join in on the normal Christmas activities leading up to Christmas. I couldn't go see Santa Clause. ....So...My Dad went and got him!! Lol. He brought him to our house to visit me. And it was the real Santa Clause too. I know because I tugged his beard. And it didn't come off. And my Dad talked about how he took Santa back to Carlisle's Department store. And watched him and the reindeer, take off from the roof in his sleigh. My favorite memory ever. Thanks Dad. I miss you. And I love you. 💔💗 ~Rebecca Hawkins...Ralph's Daughter

I used to work at the grocery store out there and met Ralph and his wife at the time. They were my favorite customers and even took me to a Cleveland Browns game. I remember him telling me about his invention of the watering device for live Christmas trees. He was a true gentleman. Prayers to all. ~Rhonda A

My only memory of Mr Hawkins, was a childhood birthday party he had at his home for Becky,a classmate of mine. It was the first birthday party I had been invited to, Mr Hawkins had snacks and we even had a scavenger hunt! He was such a fun and great dad.. I was in awe of him. ~ Mary Alger Joslin

I went to work for Ralph at his ambulance service in 1983. Learned a lot about EMS as well as livery service. My condolences to his family. ~Harold Bowdler

I have know Ralph since i was a young girl. He was always kind to me and would always answer my silly questions. I wanted to know why he did the things he do for the patients in the ambulance and I am sure many more questions. Also I tried to get him to take me for a ride in the ambulance and run it HOT as he would say. Lights flashing. Well he did take me for a ride but not with lights flashing and sirens. Loved to hear him play the drums. Every thing Ralph did he did with all his heart. He was so kind to my parents Good guy and friend ~Carolyn Mendralla

In loving memory, of Ralph Hawkins, my wonderful friend of 15 years. Ralph was a giving person, who always had my back, in both good and trying times. We shared many wonderful memories that will live in my heart forever. Ralph is now at peace in the Loving Arms of Jesus, but will never be forgotten by family and friends. ~Linda Driscoll

Ralph is my grandfather. For years I worked until 10 or 11pm. One of the things I will miss the most is how he was always up to take my calls or call me after work when most people are in bed. He told great stories and gave you an honest opinion about everything. Every year he would make sure to mail my daughter an electronic singing Christmas card. She looked forward to them every single year and still has all 8. I will miss him a lot. ~Travis Teter

Keep your light burning dad! 💕 ~ Nancy.. Ralph's daughter