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Dick Lowthian | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> In Memory of Gene tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

In Memory of Gene

This is my good friend Gene Hoekwater. On Monday, 27-AUG-2007, he lost his 8 month battle with cancer and went home to be with his Lord. He was a great man who was respected and admired by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He was a man of God.

Our friendship began in April, 1991 when he became the Director of the Michigan State Police Training Division and I was his assistant. I left Training in September of that year but our friendship continued and we spent many hours starting at 0530 hours, over many years running around the State Police Precision Driving Track and doing our best to solve the problems of the world. :)

Gene commanded the Training Division for 15 years and I'm sure would still be today if his illness had not forced his retirement in April, 2007. His funeral was held yesterday, 31-AUG-2007, and was attended by more people than one could count. Gene would have been surprised by this because he was a humble man. No one else was surprised.

Until we meet again, rest in peace my friend.


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Gene Hoekwater
Gene Hoekwater

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Shannon Holmes 19-Aug-2008 19:16
Thank you Mr. Lowthian for posting your word and of course my dad's picture! You will never know what your words and comments have meant to me and especially to my children (if I ever get around to having them :)); as they will never be able to meet him in person, your words along with all the other cards are letter we have recieved will be such a gift to read to them one day!

From the bottom of my heart... THANK YOU!
raysdigital31-May-2008 12:28
My Prayers Will Be With Your Friend Gene And Also With You.
raysdighital.com
Guest 21-Nov-2007 17:41
I had the previledge to work with Gene for many years in connection with the purchase or patrol vehicles. He was a man of honor and integrity, and he promoted a spirit of cooperation, technical expertise, personal responsibility, and teamwork. I appreciate all that he did to enhance the accomplishments of the Michigan Department of State Police in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Management and Budget, Office of Purchasing. The MSP Vehicle Test Program and our cooperative bid activities have saved millions of tax dollars, and improved the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement.

I pray that his family will always continue to hold onto God's unchanging hand, and he will see you through.

Jeffrey A. White, Buyer Manager, Department of Management and Budget, Purchasing.
Kenneth Zimmerman12-Oct-2007 19:51
God takes us all when the time is right, we never know when that will be.
I'm sorry for his friends and family but I'm sure from your comments he's with God now.
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