Former B.C. cabinet minister Sindi Hawkins in Vancouver, March 5, 2004.John Lehmann/The Globe and Mail
In the last days of her life, former B.C. cabinet minister Sindi Hawkins was ill at ease because of things left undone, says her sister.
"Sindi had some concerns that there were things that she started that were left unfinished and none of them were her personal matters. They were her professional work and especially her work for cancer," said Rupie Sachdeva.
A nurse - she spent 12 years involved in the treatment of cancer patients - and lawyer before being elected to represent the riding of Okanagan West in 1996, Ms. Hawkins was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2004. She ended a political career that saw her serve in such roles as deputy Speaker and minister of health planning in 2008.
But she launched into a new vocation of cancer advocacy. As co-chair of the BC Cancer Foundation'sTour of Courage in 2007 and with a new endowment fund, her efforts were linked to helping raise raise nearly $3-million for the foundation. She also brought cycling champion Lance Armstrong to the province for a 2007 fundraiser.
In an interview, Ms. Sachdeva said her 52-year-old sister was worried about a program to provide housing for the families of those being treated for cancer.
Premier Gordon Campbell helped. Over the weekend, he travelled to Calgary to talk to Ms. Hawkins, who was with family in the city. "(He) assured her that everything she had done would not be forgotten and the projects she had started would be completed, and just relieved her of all the responsibilities she felt were left undone," Ms. Sachdeva said.
"Once he told her, she was very, very relieved," she said, adding the chat "absolutely" helped her sister. "It was the last part of her life she felt she needed to get done, and once her work was done, I guess she slept."
On Tuesday, Ms. Sachdeva said the Premier's office sent along a copy of a press release stating that the BC Cancer Agency's Centre for the Southern Interior will would be renamed in her honour - officially for Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins - referring, in part, to her maiden name.
"We read it to her, and she passed away very peacefully around noon. All of our family was sitting with her," she said. "It was a very peaceful passing, and I hope she will be remembered for many, many things. She has had a very, very long fight and now she is resting very peacefully. She has worked very, very hard for the people of B.C. and I hope they will all have good memories of her."
People spoke fondly and with admiration of Ms. Hawkins Tuesday as news of her passing was released.
"(She)was taken from us far too early. She had much more to give and we had more to learn from her," Mr. Campbell said in a statement.
"Today is a sombre day for British Columbia; we have lost an inspirational person, an advocate, a role model and a great community leader."
NDP Leader Carole James remembered how Ms. Hawkins reached out when Ms. James was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2006.
"Sindi was there with support, ideas and encouragement, and I know she played that role with so many others across our province and country. I will always remember her grace and good humour, warmth and tenacity of spirit."
Liberal MLA Linda Reid's friendship with Ms. Hawkins spanned 14 years. They shared an office in the legislature when the Liberals were in opposition. "She was effervescent," Ms. Reid said.
She noted that Ms. Hawkins had been a tireless fundraiser for cancer long before she was diagnosed with the disease. Ms. Hawkins began her career as an oncology nurse before turning to politics. "She would have understood the progression with alarming clarity," Ms. Reid said.
Three weeks ago the pair met at a cancer fundraiser where Ms. Hawkins, always the clothes horse, was decked out in a "gorgeous little fuchsia outfit. She looked magnificent."
Former Liberal MLA Sheila Orr said she stayed in touch with Ms. Hawkins throughout her illness and that she always maintained her love of life.
"I don't think I've met anyone with such a passion for life, whether it was for people, clothes or good food."
The president of the BC Cancer Foundation expressed sorrow for the passing of the organization's "good friend," but said the results of her work will live on.
"Sindi was a tireless champion of the foundation and truly made a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families," Douglas Nelson said.
"Her legacy will be felt throughout British Columbia and especially in the Southern Interior. We will miss her."