Obituary of David John Van Hoek

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Mr. David Van Hoek who was born November 16, 972, and left us way to soon. His joyous spirit and infectious personality, He touched many lives and has left a lasting legacy that cannot be matched.

David is survived by his loving wife, Leslie Elizabeth Van Hoek whom he married in 2020. His family, including father, Ysbrand Van Hoek and mother Shirly Van Hoek (passed away 2009), brother, Albert David Van Hoek, sister Jennifer Ann Hoodicoff ( Van Hoek) Jennifer's husband Richard William Hoodicoff, nieces, Sarah Paige Van Hoek, Taryn Malina Van Hoek, step-children, Anthony Martin Crivea, Sarah Patricia Crivea, his precious grandchildren, Saphire, Logan, Scarlett, Aydreanne, Paisley and Colton.

Inlaws, Ronald and Patricia Findlater, and many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins who will forever miss and love him dearly.

David was a Paralympian since 2004 and a passionate competitor in Boccia from 1998. His involvement with other associations with other organizations like hockey, Boccia, which he played as an athlete, helped coach with the local Boccia club and became a referee. He played disabled hockey as a goalie, and it was an important part of his life.

Music was a big part of his life, with country music Vince Gill was his favorite artist. Old rock, and everything in between. He loved watching movies like " Green Mile" and " Radio" and he loved true-to-life stories. 

If you were to talk to him about sports, he was very loyal to the Calgary Flames, Atlanta Braves and Calgary Stampeders, Seattle Seahawks. If you were to get a text or phone call early in the morning as he didn’t always remember time zones it was probably to strut his team and he was known to mock your team. 

David was a champion in his own right but there were things that he held close to his heart. Family always came first and that included friends he met along the way that became family. He was the first to help anyone, especially those with barriers as he faced himself, if you ask anyone he was an advocate and took his role very seriously, and to heart.

His infectious, joyful, sarcastic, caring, and thoughtful personality made him a beloved figure. 

David taught us a lot about respect, and how to see life from a different perspective, and look beyond disabilities. His greatest accomplishments were family, and friendships that were not only rare but true deep down. He will forever be with us in our hearts. His legacy of love and his quiet way of making his point will always be with us. 

David received his first service dog SCRAMBLE who became a huge part of our family. They were a team in every way. Her love for him showed in everything they did. They were made for each other right from the start. When you saw Dave you saw Scramble never apart. 

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to David’s two important causes, The Cerebral Palsy Association and Boccia Canada.