Tribute paid to kind and talented son (From Stroud News and Journal)

Tribute paid to kind and talented son

A YOUNG gifted man who loved and lived life to the full has died in a tragic accident at Pitchcombe.

Henry Richard Hawkes, 24, was walking along the main A4137 on his way home to Edge from Stroud last Tuesday when a seven and a half tonne Royal Mail lorry collided with him at Pitchcombe at 1am.

This week his parents, Margaret and Michael Hawkes who live at Whiteway Colony were struggling to come to terms with the loss of their kind and talented son who was still searching for his direction in life.

Henry was born in 1977 and grew up at Whiteway colony with his artist parents and older sister Emma.

Educated at Miserden Primary School and Archway Comprehensive, he excelled at sports and the arts including drama, music, sculpture and painting.

After school he went on to Stroud Art College to do a two year BTEC National Diploma in Painting and Design.

Surrounded by Henry's sculptures and paintings, his mother Margaret explained how Henry loved using his hands and was talking about going back to college again to study sculpting but had yet to find his true path in life.

"He loved life and people, he had an amazing ability to get on with both young and old," said Margaret.

"He had more friends in his young life that most people have in a lifetime." The many letters and cards that have been received by the family speak of a young man who loved the beauty of nature, wildlife and the changing seasons.

One letter describes Henry's impish cheerfulness, another, his quiet manner and warm smile.

His father Michael said that in many ways Henry was old beyond his years. "He would always make time for people," said Michael. "He could and would talk with everyone."

Henry took a year's break working at the Carpenters Arms in Miserden before returning to Stroud College to do a Bench Joinery course where he was awarded 2nd prize in a competition covering the West of England.

He was then employed for several years making and fitting kitchen units. During the last three years Henry had lived most of his time at Edge returning to Whiteway often to see his parents and friends.

Following Henry's death the family have been surrounded by friends who wish to support them.

"We will get through this together," said Michael. "But his death was so uneccesary, he had been socialising and drinking all day when he decided to walk home.

"I have spoken to his friends about it, if I can stop another youngster dying like this then I will."

The couple do not hold the driver of the post van to blame in any way. "If we can speak to him then we will," said Margaret. "We would like him to know that he is not at fault."

Dozens of friends are expected to attend Henry's funeral this Friday where special tributes will be read out in his memory.

"He was a lovely boy, he laughed all the time," said Margaret. "He wanted people to love him and they did. "You just couldn't help but love him."

The funeral service for Henry will be held at Miserden Parish Church on Friday, October 12 at 2pm.

*PICTURED: Henry at his sister Emma's wedding, age 21.