David Winfred Van Hook Sr.'s Obituary
David Winfred Van Hook, Sr. passed away from Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Congestive Heart Failure at his home in Gladstone, Oregon on January 16, 2024, at the age of 79.
Dave was born in Turlock, California on April 15, 1944, to Winfred Aubrey Van Hook and Susan Zavala. Three years later, their family was complete with the birth of his sister, Carol Ann. Dave and Carol spent their childhood surrounded by a large extended family. He loved spending time on his grandparent’s ranch riding horses and motorcycles, camping, hunting, flying in his father’s airplane, and getting into mischief with some of his male cousins.
Following his father’s death in 1954, he moved with his mother and sister to Southern California, where he attended Lakewood High School. In 1965 he married Donna Lee Crocker, with whom he had five children: David Winfred, Jr, Michael David, Robert Eugene, Stephanie Sue and Kristie Dawn.
In 1970, Dave and his family followed his mother and sister to Oregon. He was a very busy dad, camping, hunting, fishing and coaching his children in baseball and softball. He became an accomplished league bowler and played and coached Men’s Slow Pitch Softball for many years.
In 1985, Dave married Natalie Marie Morse, with whom he had another daughter, Kelley Marie. Once again, he put on his coaching hat for Kelley’s softball, basketball and soccer teams. He always loved being involved with his children’s activities and managed to make lasting impressions on their friends and families.
Dave was a lifelong sportsman who enjoyed archery hunting with his boys and fishing with his mom, stepdad and anyone who wanted to join him. He loved family camping trips, snow skiing, golf, boating and waterskiing. Two priorities in his life were attending his grandkids and great grandkids’ events and graduations and the biennial Zavala family reunion of his California relatives.
After 26 years, Dave retired from Precision Castparts Corporation in 2009. While waiting for Natalie to join him in retirement, he kept busy by participating in his monthly poker group, working on his golf game several times per week, caring for his golden retriever, Albie, and spending time with his elderly parents. Since his children were all grown and finished with their athletic careers, he continued his interest in youth sports by working as a school activities/sports bus driver, always reminding each child to do their homework as they departed the bus.
When Natalie finally retired in 2014, they were able to travel in their RV and play golf together. Wine tasting trips with friends, spontaneous trips to the Oregon Coast, exploring National Parks, quirky roadside attractions and the desert Southwest were Dave’s favorite travel adventures. He also cherished their regular golf trips to Mexico. As the oldest Zavala cousin, he was instrumental in continuing the family reunions after the passing of his mother and her siblings.
Dave was the kind of man that you couldn’t take anywhere without him knowing at least one person. He touched the lives of many people throughout his community, always with a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous, teasing smile. That smile could quickly turn into an uncontrollable red-faced giggle, especially after a margarita.
David is survived by his wife, Natalie, Sons David Jr (Diana), Michael (Carrie), Robert (Kristina), Daughters Stephanie, Kristie and Kelley, Sister Carol Dillard, Sister-in-Law Loreli Manning (Marsh) and Brother-in-Law David Morse (Norma), 13 Grandchildren, 10 Great-Grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, his treat buddy, Ginsey, as well as many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather and two grandsons.
Arrangements are being handled by Holman-Hankins-Bowker & Waud. www.waudsfuneralservice.com. Please visit their website and leave a note for his family.
At Dave’s request, no formal service will be held, but a party celebrating his life will be planned for this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association are preferred.
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