Barry L Hawkins, a well known Norfolk auctioneer, has died at 86. Remembered for his legacy in livestock and TV appearances.
His father, Paul Hawkins, was a livestock auctioneer. Later, Paul became a Tory MP, representing South West Norfolk for 20 years. In 1939, Paul sent his family to Australia, where they stayed on a sheep station near Melbourne. He joined the army then.
He was captured during the Battle of France and was a prisoner of war for five years. After his release, he saw his family, and they returned to Norfolk later. Barry went to Beeston Hall School, on the north Norfolk coast, and was one of the first students.
Next, he studied at Cheltenham College. Then, he studied in London and Reading at the College of Estate Management. He became a chartered surveyor this way. He apprenticed in Barnsley, too, qualifying as a land agent and surveyor.
Barry returned to Norfolk in the 1950s and joined Charles Hawkins & Sons, his family’s firm. As his father’s political career grew, Mr. Hawkins became the senior partner. He enjoyed being a livestock auctioneer, valuing cattle around rural Norfolk and traveling to nearby counties.
He helped design King’s Lynn’s new cattle market, which moved from the town center to Hardwick in 1971. Black Horse Agencies, part of Lloyds Banking Group, bought his firm in 1985, but Barry remained independent.
He started his own firm in 1986, called Barry L Hawkins, and kept the cattle market at first. He closed it in July 1996, after mad cow disease hurt the industry badly. He sold the site eventually and served his farming clients instead. He negotiated deals for them until he died.
Selling the Didlington Estate, near Thetford in Norfolk, was a big moment. He shook before the auction, and the estate sold for £1 million. He regained his confidence quickly and was soon back in his element.
His son, Marcus, joined the business in 2006 and continued the Hawkins legacy. Marcus said his father cared for his clients and worked respectfully with all types of people. He considered himself a country auctioneer, with deep knowledge gained from years of experience.
He belonged to several groups, including the Central Association and the Royal Institution. He was also chairman of the Livestock Auctioneers Association. He appeared on the BBC many times, once selling cars on Top Gear. He also showed off his fast selling on Antiques Road Trip.
He helped found Gressenhall Farm museum, and people will remember him for that. He was a founding trustee there, curating the agricultural items. He advised many charities in East Anglia and chaired some parish council meetings and Conservative party events.
Mr. Hawkins faced personal challenges, including the deaths of his children. His son, Thomas, died in 1986, and his daughter, Louise, died in 1989. Both were 24 years old when they died. Marcus said that his father was resilient.
Marcus called his father tenacious, saying he inspired him and describing him as stubborn but determined. His father equipped them to deal with life and worked hard. He never let life’s strains dull his humor, finding joy even in chaos and taking pride in small wins.
His laughter was their daily soundtrack, and they feel his love surrounding them now. He was a man of substance, Marcus said, and his legacy will live on. Mr. Hawkins died at home on December 2 at the age of 86. He leaves behind his wife, Valerie, to whom he was married for 64 years, and his son, Marcus. A service will be held February 28 at 11am at the church in Swaffham.