Dr Elmer Joseph (Bob) Hawn DFC, CD was born, raised and educated in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force during WW II as a pilot. Bob served in the 429 City of Lethbridge Squadron. While in England he met his future wife Norah. She came to Canada in 1945 as a war bride.

Bob went on to further his education in Saskatoon obtaining his Bachelor and Masters of Science degrees. He then moved to St Paul, Minnesota to obtain a Ph D. The family moved to Lethbridge in 1950 and he worked at the Research Station as a Plant Pathologist and Nematologist.  Here he pioneered a pesticide for the sugar beet industry.

Bob served in many volunteer capacities in his community in a variety of clubs and organizations including: being a founding member of the Lethbridge United Services Institute, President of the 702 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association, Commanding Officer of the Air Cadets for 14 years and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion.