A grandfather who faithfully encouraged his Olympian granddaughter will not see how well she performs at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland because he died Sunday.
Orland Hawkins, fondly known as Orlie, died at Pembroke Regional Hospital. He was 83 years old and leaves behind his wife Tory, and children Robbie (Donna) and Alison (Doug Bishop). A Memorial Service will be held for Mr. Hawkins at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Cobden on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 11 a.m.
Melissa Bishop, who grew up in Eganville and competed in the 2012 Olympics, was already in Scotland preparing for the Commonwealth Games, when her grandfather died.
Melissa won her qualifying heat in the 800m race with a time of 2:01.73 Wednesday morning. She is competing in this afternoon’s semi-final, which is scheduled for 1:56 p.m. She is also a member of the relay team, which competes in the 4 by 400 metre relay on Friday.
(Note: whitewaternews.ca will update its website with Melissa’s results when able to.)
