Obituary of Fred Hoekstra

With heavy hearts, the family announces that Fred passed away peacefully at Extendicare Starwood Long Term Care Facility in Ottawa on Wednesday morning, November 6, 2024; Foppe “Fred” Hoekstra of Carp was in his 85^th year. Beloved husband of Muriel Joyce (nee Wilkinson). Dearly loved Dad of Gail Huyer (Andy), Walter Hoekstra (Fatima) and Conrad Hoekstra and Step-Dad of Megan Nelson (Mitchell McField). Cherished and proud Grandpa of Ross, Scott, Megan, Matthew, Callum, Corey, Ryan, Miguel and Mikal and “Great-Grandpa” of Dylan, Arianna, Zach, Beau and Isla. Dear brother of Jan (late Boujke), Alle (Ann), Andries (late Siebrigje), Grietus (Trijntje), Theunis (Margarite), Roel (Jellie), Froukje Lezwijn (Jan) and Grietje Lap (Hank). Also survived and lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Son of the late Wopke and Trijntje (nee Delfsma) Hoekstra.

Fred emigrated to Canada from Friesland, The Netherlands in 1956 following his brother Alle. He moved to Renfrew County and worked his first number of years there as a lumberjack. He learned the language and shortly after became a truck driver then worked for a forming company. From there he made his way into the precast industry. He finally ended up at Unit Precast where his friend and longtime colleague, Tony Inderwick, recognizing Fred’s strong work ethic and ability to learn things quickly, made him a partner. He discovered a talent for sales and made this his career for the next 3 plus decades. He was promoted to Vice President during this timeframe.  

Marrying Anna Pool in 1961, the two of them became parents to Gail, Walter and Conrad. After 17 years, they went their separate ways.

Fred loved to travel and spent many a winter in Cuba and then in Jamaica. He fell in love with the country and ended up building a home there. He also fell in love with his Jamaican sweetheart Joyce and they married in 1999.

Fred loved life and lived it to the fullest. He loved to tell stories and he always remembered his Friesen roots making many trips back to Holland for visits. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy of kindness for those who knew him. He will be missed.  

Final arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd., 50 John Street North, Arnprior. A private family visitation will be held.

Fred’s funeral service will be webcast live on Sunday afternoon, November 10^th at 3 o’clock.

Please CLICK HERE to view webcast.

Signal will become live on Sunday afternoon at 2:50 p.m. EST

In memory of Fred, please consider a donation to CHEO.