Walter R. Van Hoek

Of Needham, died Sept. 9. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 26, 1918 to Edward W. Van Hoek and Agnes Louise Fetzer. He graduated from University of Michigan in 1940 & Andover Newton Theological School in 1946. Mr. Van Hoek's career included ministry to churches in both the Baptist & United Church of Christ denominations. He came to the Harvard Church (UCC) in Brookline, MA in 1960. He was instrumental in the formation of the United Parish, which united Harvard Church with the neighboring Methodist & Baptist churches. While in Brookline, he served on boards of the Huntington Ave. YMCA & the New England Baptist Hospital. During his ministry & throughout his life, Mr. Van Hoek preached & wrote extensively on peace, social action, social justice and environmental issues. After retiring to Stow, Maine, he continued his activism as President of the Western Maine Counseling Center, and with the United Nations Association. He pursued a wide range of interests from stamp collecting to nurturing his oversized garden. He relished the beauty of his rural, mountainous surroundings where he enjoyed backpacking through the White Mountains. He leaves his wife Ruth Parsons Van Hoek of Needham, MA, daughter Deborah Abraham of Needham, MA, daughter Sandra Dolins and grandson Robert Walter Dolins of Carlisle, MA. A memorial service will be held at the Congregational Church of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Ave., Needham on Sat., Sept. 29, 2007 at 2 P.M. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the United Church of Christ, Justice & Witness Ministries c/o Congregational Church of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Ave., Needham 02492