Eric Richard Hooker passed away on October 9. 2006 at 12:56 pm. He was resting peacefully in his favorite recliner, surrounded by family. He had been battling multiple myeloma since 2002. He fought an incredibly courageous fight, and never lost his positive attitude and determination to live as long, and as happily, as possible. When asked how he was, he often responded, "it's just another day in paradise". He didn't feel cheated; he said his life was a "dream come true".

Eric grew up in Wayland, MI and received his BA in Business Administration from Western Michigan University in 1968. There in Kalamazoo he met the love of his life, Lola K. Francis. He served in the US Army from 1968-1970, the last year of which his was a LRP ranger in Viet Nam. He was married on crutches right after returning from the war and lived in Marshall, MI from 1970-1972. He started working for State Farm in 1970, and transferred to their corporate office in Bloomington, IL. Their daughter Amy was born there in 1972 and they lived there until 1977. The family then moved to Santa Rosa, CA. After 24 years of State Farm management he decided to become agent and they moved to Sutter Creek, CA. After the birth of his grandchildren, and his cancer diagnosis, Eric and Lola moved to Oregon to be closer to their daughter and her family. True to his character, he decided to become a whole body donor, so that he could continue to serve others even after his death.

Eric will be remembered fondly by the many people whose life he touched. He enjoyed maintaining a beautiful home and garden, and always kept the bird and squirrel feeders full. He loved to spend time on the water: boating, fishing, and waterskiing. He ran the Napa Valley Marathon, and went skydiving with his daughter. He loved hosting “gatherings” at his home for family and friends to celebrate holidays and special occasions. He also loved snowskiing, woodworking, and spending time at the coast with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lola K. Hooker; his daughter Amy Watson and her husband Dan; his grandchildren Levi and Mariah Watson; his sister Mary Tong, her husband Ray and their daughter Jennie; his father William W. Hooker and his wife Lois; as well as several loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Avis and his brother Bill.

 A celebration of life will be held at Lakeside Garden this Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 12 pm. The address is:

16211 SE Foster Rd.
Portland, OR 97236

(503) 760-6044

There will be a reception immediately following the service. Family and friends are also invited to attend an informal gathering at the family home in Happy Valley at 4:30 pm.

If you care to make a contribution, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Thank you for your wonderful and loving support!