Obituary of Edward Adrian Hoekstra

HOEKSTRA, Edward - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Edward Adrian Hoekstra on November 10, 2011 at the age of 74. He was predeceased by his wife Carole, who left us in August of 1987. Dad is survived by his six children and their spouses, Debbie and Marc Dumont, Cathy and Dave Campbell, Laura and John Ens, Jackie and Glen Baraniuk, Michael and Ruth Hoekstra, and Carolyn and Todd Humber. Ed was known as Grandpa Hock by his 14 beautiful grandchildren: Adrienne, Carter, Chelsea, Sarah, Patrick, Allison, Alex, Amanda, Malaree, Gavin, Skylar, Rachel, Owen and Troy and his 2 great grandchildren Brock and John. Ed is also survived by his brothers Cecile and Norman, for whose support and friendship over the years we are very grateful. Ed was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and moved to St. Catharines to pursue his hockey career. He was a professional hockey player for 20 years, playing in the AHL, the NHL and the WHA. He was also an accomplished finish carpenter. Our sincere thanks to the caring staff of the St. Catharines General Hospital. Also thanks to Dr. Waler, the nurses on the Palliative Unit and C3 East. Family and friends will be received at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street on Thursday November 17 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Ed's life will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. in the chapel with cremation to follow. If so desired, donations made to March of Dimes or the M.S. Society of Canada would be appreciated by his family. To dad's friends at Ridley Heights Terrace who saw and helped him daily - we thank you for your endless hours of euchre, your shared coffee times and celebrations. "I am ready to meet my maker, whether my maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter!" Dad - May your spirit run free - Love Always and may God bless.