Rick John Hoekwater

Rick J. Hoekwater, 71, passed away on December 2, 2024. He was born on September 4, 1953, in Big Rapids, Michigan. His family moved west in 1962. They settled in Upland, CA, where Rick grew up, raised his own family, and lived until his passing.

He graduated from Upland High School in June 1971. He was on the wrestling team all four years, and after graduation was active in planning reunions. He was also an alumni of Chaffey College's radiology program and received his bachelor's degree from University of La Verne.

He married Heidi Heil on August 7, 1984, and they recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

Rick enjoyed nearly a 45-year career in x-ray and imaging caring for patients, employees, and coworkers. He started at Arcadia Methodist Hospital (now USC Arcadia Hospital) as an x-ray tech and then assistant director of the dept. He then worked at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center for more than three decades until his retirement in 2017, serving as the director of radiology and a CT tech.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother; Rick will be remembered for his kindness, positivity, perseverance, and witty sense of humor. In retirement you could find him riding miles on the local bike trails, relaxing at their place in Seal Beach or at an Angels game with Heidi.

Rick is survived by his wife Heidi, brothers Ron and Chris Hoekwater (Pollyette), daughters Julie Sediq (Jamal), Denise Holloway (Seth) and Jennifer Hoekwater (AJ) and son Scott Hoekwater as well as five grandchildren Ryker, Vander, Wesson, Presley, and Declan. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Harold and Janice Hoekwater.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday December 11, 2024 at Draper Mortuary, 811 N Mountain Ave., Ontario at 11:00am. A luncheon will follow at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Foundation, University of La Verne or Megan's Wings.