Ref. 29062-33MAURICE Hawkes, who died suddenly at the weekend, was a natural entrepreneur who lived to bring happiness to others.

Although blessed with a flair for commerce, it was Mr Hawkes' charm and personality that drove his success.

He ran the Jesmond House Hotel in Highworth for 10 years with his American wife, Lisa, a former actress turned Swindon Borough councillor.

But before then, the 63-year-old had built up a string of successful hair salons and also ran an antiques shop in Swindon.

His nephew Nick Hawkes, 30, said: "Maurice was outgoing, had a great sense of humour, and was loved by everyone.

"He brought joy and light into people's lives, and loved working with the public.

"I think he enjoyed being successful and loved the thrill of the chase in business.

"He also loved spending time with his family."

Mr Hawkes, who had two children Ian, 40, and Karen, 42, by his first marriage died at his Castle Eaton home on Saturday.

He had a brother, Neil, 57, who lives in Buckingham-shire.

A post mortem examination is due to be held to establish the cause of death.

The family are now coming to terms with their loss.

"It was very unexpected, and a great shock," said Nick.

"He will be greatly missed."

In 1990, Mr Hawkes suffered a near fatal brain haemorrhage which left him in a coma for six weeks.

He took a holiday to Colorado to convalesce.

His life changed when he met a young actress at an Independence Day party.

Although, at 25 she was half his age, Lisa who had already appeared in Die Hard 2 and had her sights set on Hollywood fell for him immediately.

Earlier this year, Coun Hawkes, 38, told the Evening Advertiser that she felt an instant attraction like a "chemical big bang."

She said: "When Maurice proposed to me, I allowed myself to be ruled by my instincts, as ever.

"I'm a great believer in going with the flow.

"I didn't want to get to the age of 60 and spend all my time wondering what might have been."

Mr Hawkes, who grew up in Wroughton, proposed on Valentine's Day, and the couple married exactly a year after their eyes first met.

Tamash Lal