Eric Hoek

Message from Cynthia (Van Dyken) Ward

What a blessing it was for us to see Eric at David's birthday party in April. This is such a loss! Eric left work just to visit with us and see everyone. Little did we know it would be our last visit with him. We have such great memories of Brian & Eric, twins as we called them (just like cousin Sue mentioned). They were always happy, smiling and showing us their mischief. Great friends, great cousins. To Steve, Greg and Brian - so much love is being sent your way along with prayers and hugs. We grieve with you in the loss of Eric, but are thankful for our memories that cannot be taken away. Brian, we will be remembering you in a special way and holding you up in prayer. For now, I will think of Eric smiling and chatting away with Uncle Tom and Aunt Cora in heaven. Rest in peace, Eric. We love you and miss you!

A candle was lit by Steele, Missouri on September 14, 2017 2:37 PM

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His family have been in our prayers and will in the days, weeks and years to come. To our nephew's Paul & Nat, great nephews and niece. The rest of the family.. We maybe thousand of miles away but your in our hearts and thoughts. May God give you all peace and comfort like only he can.
Love from Uncle Terry, Aunt Melissa & Heather Crocker in Steele, Mo.

Message from Terri Veldstra Ponsford

Thank you Eric for always having a huge smile for me, no matter the years or miles that came between us. Farewell cousin....rest in peace.

Message from Cousin Kimberly Gerber Spina

Cousin Eric and my brother Mike were the same age, and Brian and I one year older.. As youngsters we were thick as thieves. Brian and Eric would ride their bikes from Dodds Road in Escalon to our house in Modesto and stay with us where they were always welcome. Mom and Dad treated them like they were one of us, including trips to Disneyland or hiking in Yosemite.
I'm not sure whose idea it was, but as the only girl in the gang they decided I had to prove myself worthy of hanging out with them by eating a raw onion, catching a piglet before the sow was aware, or climbing the tower to the molasses tank at their dairy farm and peering in. To this day I can't stand the smell of raw onions!
We built forts from discarded bricks, braved winter storms to catch tumble weeds for a hideout, got incredibly muddy in the creek so Aunt Nell would cook our catch of crawdads and frog legs, and watched breathlessly as it was always Eric who piloted the homemade bamboo hang glider, the parachute sheet from the roof, and many other death defying escapades that proved he had nine lives.
I remember Eric as valedictorian of his 1977 Escalon High class of Cougars and star of his football team. He was handsome and tall, friendly and kind. Somewhere along the line he lost his way. In spite of all his troubles, he remained a shining light to all who knew him.
Now, I'm sure, he's in God's hands, healed, and with many on the other side who love him - Aunt Cora, Uncle Jim, Cousin Mike, Grandpa and Grandma Lee and Tjitske Van Wijk who the four of us never had the chance to meet. Countless loved ones who've gone before us surround him, and he's in a good place, as hard as it is to let him go.
My condolences to brothers Brian, Steve and Greg, sons Paul and Michael who he was so proud of, his grandchildren and all those related through family and friends.
Kimberly Gerber Spina

Message from Michael Hoek

Very beautiful kim very very beautiful.

A candle was lit by Sue Veldstra on September 12, 2017 8:09 PM

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That's beautiful, Kim! I remember him as a beautiful child: "twins" with Brian! Then I lost touch until a few years ago. I'm so happy he came to David's birthday party last summer. He seemed happy and at peace, even in his circumstances. What a gift it was to be able to see him then and give him a hug! Cousins forever!
All my love to you, Eric!