Death of A Classmate - Walter Hocker, 11th Co

 
WALTER B. HOCKER "Mick" 1930 ~ 2014 On March 13, 2014, Mick passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Mick was born in Portland, Maine, on October 8, 1930. He graduated from Kyoto American High School, Kyoto, Japan, the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, and Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, California. He retired with the rank of Captain. He also worked as an analyst for the Scientific Branch of Naval Intelligence. While at his winter home in Virginia, Mick worked hard finagling contraptions to feed his beloved squirrels and birds in the backyard. But when the warm breezes started to blow, he headed for his real home: Peaks Island, Maine, the center of summer activities. Countless happy days were spent with family and friends on the island. He cooked an innumerable number of lobsters in his back yard lobster pot while sharing stories and sherry with guests. Maintaining a 100 year old wooden home by the sea was a challenge he met with enthusiasm and light in his eyes. Mick loved volunteering at the Fifth Maine Regiment Museum, where he served as vice president, docent, and chair of the building and grounds committee. The only thing he enjoyed more while on the island was his legendary golf cart tours, which were filled with fascinating tidbits of information, ranging from World War II forts to the varied styles of island homes. Mick is survived by his much loved wife of 59 years, Betsy; six children, Michael (Carol), Pamela (Greg), Cindy (John), Stephen (Sarah), Paul (Casey) and Diane (Pete); 11 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Col. and Mrs. A.S. Hocker and sister, Mary Williams. Services will be held at St Leo the Great Catholic Church, Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA on Tuesday, March 18, visitation from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations in Walter Hocker's name to Fisher House Donations: phone 1-888-294-8562 or by Internet: Fisher.org <http://Fisher.org> or Ronald McDonald House: 207-780-6283, 250 Brackett Street, Portland, ME. 04102.In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations in Walter Hocker's name to Fisher House Donations: phone 1-888-294-8562 or by Internet: Fisher.org or Ronald McDonald House: 207-780-6283, 250 Brackett Street, Portland, ME. 04102.

Published in The Washington Post on Mar. 15, 2014