Shane Hawkins shared expertise around county
Wayne County auction and antique enthusiasts and business owners are among those mourning the loss of Shane Hawkins.
Hawkins, a 54-year-old Fountain City resident, was known around the county through his work and community involvement. The Northeastern graduate died March 13.
Hawkins provided a deep knowledge of antiques and fine arts to the Centerville-based Walther and Hawkins Auctioneers, which he opened with Andy Walther in 1996. Hawkins had become active in antiques at a young age, according to the company’s website.
In 2010, Hawkins opened The Log House Antiques in downtown Cambridge City.
Leaders of Cambridge City Main Street, of which Hawkins was a member, expressed they were heartbroken by Hawkins’ death and gratitude for what he’d done for the town.
“We will miss Shane in so many ways, as he was an inspiration for many of the events in town — centered around our antique fairs,” the statement read. “So many of us have experienced his high-energy approach to the antiques trade and also his promotion of our small historic town. Shane had a vision which we are working to live up to — to build a downtown full of businesses, attracting people from far and wide, and delivering quality of place experiences for all. “
Hawkins also previously had served as a board member for Wayne County Historical Museum in Richmond and assisted with various charity auctions.
While he was known for his professional expertise, Hawkins also was regarded for his kindness to friends, family and colleagues. His last act of generosity also benefited strangers, who are receiving his donated organs.
Terry (Hawkins) Wiesehan calls her cousin “one of the funniest, wittiest and caring individuals I’ve ever known.”
They would occasionally catch up on family news and gossip at the Fountain City gas station and agreed that their many cousins should gather more frequently than holidays and funerals. Sadly, members of their large family unexpectedly had to gather last Saturday for Shane’s funeral.
“Shane never failed to make me laugh,” Hawkins said. “He could do impressions of our uncles that were so perfect. I can still hear him. Shane also did not suffer fools gladly. I think that’s a Hawkins trait. What you see is what you get. And with Shane you got a kind, but honest person. Shane was a thoughtful and generous person. And he had such empathy.”