The Footy Almanac community is saddened to learn of the death of Jenny Hawkins.
Jenny was many things to many people, and she was a dear friend of the Almanac. A friend of Andrew Fithall, she was the star of the 2011 Grand Final Eve lunch at the Clyde Hotel (a watering hole which by coincidence was an old haunt of hers while at Newman College at the University of Melbourne). That afternoon she kept us entertained with beaut yarns about uni and family life and about young Tom, who was about to win the Cats a memorable premiership. She left to take a container of pasta to Tom’s place.
While we knew of Jenny’s illness, her deterioration came as a shock to all.
We pass on our deepest sympathies to Jack Hawkins, and the Hawkins family, and to the Le Deux family.
Here is a reminder of that happy afternoon in 2011 http://www.footyalmanac.com.au/in-search-of-jennys-pasta/
About John Harms
JTH is a writer, publisher, speaker, historian. He is publisher and contributing editor of The Footy Almanac and footyalmanac.com.au. He has written columns and features for numerous publications. His books include Confessions of a Thirteenth Man, Memoirs of a Mug Punter, Loose Men Everywhere, Play On, The Pearl: Steve Renouf's Story and Life As I Know It (with Michelle Payne). He appears (appeared?) on ABCTV's Offsiders. He can be contacted [email protected] He is married to The Handicapper and has three school-age kids - Theo, Anna, Evie. He might not be the worst putter in the world but he's in the worst four. His ambition was to lunch for Australia but it clashed with his other ambition - to shoot his age.
St Peter will be eating well.
As someone who has never taken to Tom Hawkins, I was captivated by the Wool Team video clip of him kicking the footy through the barn window in Finley.
There was something quintessentially Bradman/tank stand or “A Bat A Ball and a Boy” for those that remember old cine films.
Made me think that I mistook wide eyed innocence for smugness.
Vale Jenny. Our legacy outlives us.
I know exactly how Tom and his family feel. When I lost mum, Peg, in 1993 when I was 45. Our children were 21 and 18. It was devastating for all of us. ????
After all these years I still miss her and talk to her often in my mind.
Peg is with me every day.
I am sure Jenny will be with her children every day also
Keep strong Tom????
Very sad. I remember her star appearance at the Almanac lunch very well. A very natural, likeable person. Hope Tommy can find strength.
Jenny was a wonderful lady by all accounts. Condolences to the family. I’ve just returned home from the funeral of a family friend – another much-loved wife and mum gone too soon.
Vale Jenny and Alex.
Cheers, Burkie
Sad news for Tom and family . I looked at that video clip last week and loved it of course and recalled something having been written about Jenny’s food. Just travelled back from a country funeral in my hometown today and couldn’t help thinking about all the good home cooked meals and support Tom must have had .
Pam,
I couldn’t locate the article, but hearing of Jenny Hawkins’ sad passing dredged something similar out of my memory bank. I think you may have been reminded of the same newspaper piece. Martin Flanagan had travelled to Finley to speak to Tom’s parents. His account of Jenny was particularly impressive, but what stuck in my memory was his account of his departure. Jenny pressed some sandwiches on him for his return journey. Flanagan seemed shocked by the unexpected gesture. Jenny said something to the effect “we’re country people, that’s what we do.” Like you I grew up in the country, so that offer and the explanation resonated. Generosity to visitors – relatives, friends or casual acquaintances – is an instinctive behaviour.
Premature death of such a quality person is extremely sad.
Peter you are spot on. When we filmed the video of Tom back in Finley, Jenny insisted on cooking a massive breakfast for us all. Despite being in discomfort she could not have been more welcoming and accommodating.
The interview we conducted was full of wonderful stories of how she met John in Geelong, of country life with children and the cycle of life on a farm.
A Nuffield scholar and leading agricultural thinker in the area of climate change, Jenny Hawkins will be terribly missed not only by her family and friends, local community and the Geelong football club but the Australian farming community.
Vale Jenny