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Hoken Erling Ingebrigtson
July 3, 1927 – October 22, 2021
A mechanic, musician, pilot, salesman, politician, and a happy prankster, Hoken, our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and great-uncle, has taken his final flight. On October 22, 2021, Hoken passed away at Pinecrest Home for the Aged. Born in Norway in 1927, he turned 94 this past July.
Hoken (Hokey; Grandpa Pancake; Big Grandpa) is survived by his children: Lee (Dave), Erling (Bonnie), Jan (Nicole), and Sheila (Ian). He will be missed by his grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jennifer, Karly (Cameron) and Jolee; and his great grandchildren, Jessica (Mom Ang), Aidan and Eli. He will be missed by many caring and loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews across Canada.
Hoken’s family emigrated from Norway in 1927 and eventually settled in Churchill, MB, to work and live a Canadian life. From dog sleds, to bicycles, to cars, and his own airplane, Hoken was on the go while growing up in Churchill! He commercial fished alongside his dad and brothers and often told the story of riding his bike through town selling fish. He and two brothers were pilots, logging many miles in the north. Like many others in his family, he eventually established his own business. This was the start to his work as a mechanic and car salesman. One year, he won an award for selling the most trucks in Manitoba from his small business in Churchill.
Churchill is where he met his dear Ethel and their 4 children were born. It was a very special life for Hoken and Ethel in a community they loved. But the time came and the decision was made to move to another place they got to love -- Kenora, ON. Hoken opened a new business and partnership in car sales and service, Trio Motors, in 1964. He also became active in local politics and community service agencies. Hoken, always the mechanic, was also a musician. When he wasn’t playing the accordion for his own enjoyment and family gatherings, he was practicing for gigs with his band, Hoken’s Heroes, for an upcoming Saturday night dance at the Rabbit Lake Community Club. And when he put his accordion down, oh how he and Mom could dance! Hoken continued playing his favourite tunes on the accordion into his 90s and on occasion for others in Pinecrest.
Hoken would often tell his family, “Don’t worry about me, I’ve had a good life”. His life was rich and full due to his commitment to family, work, and community – and all were in turn enriched by him. The last living sibling of seven, he was predeceased by his 3 brothers, John, Gunnar and Leif, and his 3 sisters Greta, Edith and Solveig.
After losing our Mom Ethel in 1999, he had some lonely years but he still kept busy in the community and helping out his family or anyone who needed a hand. He would never turn down an offer to go out for pancakes or a coffee (which often included a “scratch” ticket).
Hoken was also documenter of life! He had a knack for writing and was always ready to take photos and films during his travels and family events. Our family is now blessed with a rich archive of family memories and history captured originally on Hoken’s 16mm movie camera.
He was a positive and funny man. Hoken would often say, “We made it!” upon arrival at any destination or even in an elevator at the correct floor. He also always had a joke, a trick, a tip, or a candy ready to share.
A family gathering to honour Hoken will be held at a later date. In Hoken’s memory, offer kindness to others. A thousand thanks, or Takk Skal Du Ha as Hoken would say in Norwegian, to everyone who supported him through his later years. Thank you to the Pinecrest staff who took the time to get to know Dad and our family.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River District or the Auxiliary for Pinecrest Home for the Aged.
Online condolences maybe be offered at: https://www.alcockfuneralhome.com/
Det er den draumen (It Was A Dream)
It was a dream
We all carry with us this dream:
that something wonderful will happen,
that it must happen -
that time will open,
that the heart will open,
that doors will open,
that cliffs will be opened,
that springs will well forth,
that the dream will be opened,
that we one peaceful morning will glide in -
onto a bay we had not been aware of.
(Author Olav H.Hauge, 1966)