February 03, 1924 - November 25, 2011
Stephen Hoitink Obituary
(Age 87)
Steve passed away on November 25, 2011 at the Spokane Veterans Home. He was born February 3, 1924 in Spokane to Stephenus M. and Stoffelina J. (Hoogstad) Hoitink. Steve went to North Central, was a truck driver for Sunshine Biscuits, served in the Army during WWII in Europe, and was a camera buff early on, fixing and selling, as well as taking countless pictures. He worked for Van Waters & Rodgers, selling agricultural and mining supplies, then at Gibson?s Nursery, finally retiring at the age of 72 from being a personal gardener to Nancy White. He married Joan Bremner in 1965 in Spokane where they resided for 46 years, building a gourmet kitchen and a spectacular garden that graced magazines, won awards, and hosted tours. Their sanctuary was intricately landscaped with Japanese maples, ferns, hostas, beds of moss, and countless wildflowers and begonias, along with a stream and koi pond. His garden was the joy of his life, created with the love of his life. His legacy lives on in the Japanese maple seedlings, and in the hearts of all his gardening peers and prot?g?s, he was prolific in all three. Steve was a member of Friends of Dishman Hills, a long-time member of Penstemon Society, Rock Garden Society, Inland Empire Gardeners and Gourmet Gardeners. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and Arnold, sisters Dena and Mae, his wife of 46 years Joan, daughter Melody, and first wife Marie Langdon Hoitink. Steve is survived by his children, Linda Kearns, Terri Brazil, David Hoitink and Carolyn Seim of Spokane, Don Kearns of San Diego, CA; grandchildren Marion and Leland Kearns of San Diego, CA and brother William Hoitink of Spokane. The family would like to thank the staff at the Spokane Veterans Home for loving and caring for our parents. A Celebration of Steve?s life will be held on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 2:00pm at the Southside Senior Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. (27th and Ray).
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