Noel Francis Halker, known as Sonny Ray Hawk

January 9, 1977 - June 17, 2025

It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of a dear member of our community, Sonny Ray Hawk or Sunny Ray.

Sonny was born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and after traveling a while, spent most of his adult life in Humboldt County, California. He affectionately talked about his childhood with great reverence for the natural environment, the mountains, rivers and valleys, the wildlife and the rural culture, all of which he also appreciated greatly about his second home of Humboldt County.

He is survived by his son Galaxy, his mother and father Ana and Noel Halker, sisters; Angela Shirey, Natalie Aldieri and Cora Cloud, a loving family of aunts, uncles and cousins back in Virginia and elsewhere and a large community of friends here in Humboldt who loved and appreciated Sonny’s friendship, music, moonshine, cooking and company on adventures.

Sonny was a dedicated father. Persevering at times through hardship he strove endlessly to express his love for his son. Inspired to create connection and share the great joys of his own childhood he took him out on fun adventures, camping, kayaking, mushroom hunting, crabbing and fishing.

He had a special connection and sensitivity to nature. One time in his youth he was out coon hunting with his cousins and was caught trying to direct them away from the poor animal. Later on in adulthood, helping a friend harvest a flock of home-raised ducks he is remembered as praying over every single one of them in respect and gratitude for their life.

Sonny was somewhat of a jack of all trades, skilled in many things including but not limited to being a trained HVAC technician, farming, carpentry, animal husbandry, cooking and home brewing. He had a deep thirst for knowledge and was constantly learning and adding to his skillset.

His stand out achievement in life however was his gift of music which he shared freely and with all his heart and soul. From epic songwriting to captivating performances Sonny was renowned as a creative genius and master craftsman when it came to his chosen art form.

In his teenage years he played guitar and banjo on the front porch of a neighbor’s house, a bluegrass man Tommy Bledsoe. He was also fortunate to learn the fine art of moonshine-making from his neighbor, a skill which he perfected to such a degree that he gained much admiration and appreciation for it throughout his life. In fact, he acquired his well-loved National Resonator guitar by trading some of this famous moonshine.Later he picked up the harmonica, taking after his mother who played as well, and mastered the instrument playing it like a true bluesman.

Perhaps what he is most well known for though was his phenomenal voice. Sonny’s mother said he sang his heart out throughout childhood, particularly in church where he learned harmonizing and singing with deep soul. One time, at the tender age of 2 1/2 he was coming home with his Daddy from a day of bailing hay (Sonny rode in the wagon) and started singing a song from church. According to his father he sang that entire 37 mile trip home.

Playing around Humboldt County for the past 19 years in his beloved bands, Kindred Spirits, White Deer and Thurston Hawk, as well as with many other groups of musician friends, Sonny always had an open heart and mind to include all musicians. Despite his giant talent he developed and maintained a humble attitude around music making, a true folk musician who didn’t seem to discriminate about playing ability or styles. He was constantly inspired by all forms of music, modern and traditional and across all genres though he was well known for his bluegrass, blues, folk, country and southern rock styles of playing.

What stood out profoundly about Sonnys playing was his spirit. Every song sung like a gospel song, a large and glorious energy emanating from him that captivated all who heard him. He had the ability to move people on a deep level. Not just his audience but also his fellow musicians who he lifted up, encouraged and inspired to reach within and be the best they could be.

The light in his heart and his spirited enthusiasm extended out to friends and strangers alike. Known as a true friend to many he was always ready to lend a hand when needed, to come help you fix something, encourage and emotionally support you, cook food, play some songs or do a fun adventure with you. He was a give-the-shirt-off-his-back kind of friend.

Sonny was deeply loved and will be missed dearly. May we find peace in the words of his song: “Maybe somewhere over the rainbow I will have a sunny day.”

There will be a memorial to honor and celebrate Sonny’s life on Saturday September 13th at the Fieldbrook Country Kitchen (formally the Fieldbrook Market) from 2-4pm with more music to follow.

There is also a Gofundme account set up to support the grieving process of his son if you would like to contribute and support his family.

Gofundme account.

Facebook event page.