Thomas Hoeksema

I just heard this week about Tom's sudden death just after his birthday and was so sorry to hear this. Tom was a giant in the early days of encouraging faith communities to be welcoming and inclusive of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His writing and teaching extended far beyond Calvin College through work with such organizations as the Task Force on Disabilities of the National Council of Churches. He was smart, gentle, humble and caring. I never got to spend a much...

Dr Hoeksema was my favorite prof! He was so encouraging and supportive. It´s been a very long time since my days as a special education student at Calvin, but every time our paths crossed he remembered me and had time to catch up. I am so sad to read of his passing and extend heartfelt condolences to all who love him. Such a life well lived! Such a loss for you all!

Unfortunately, we were away when the news about Tom´s death emerged and were unable to attend any of the gatherings. To say we were saddened and shocked would be an understatement. Tom was one of my friends, a colleague, a fellow congregant and a former student (during his MSU days). While we were both too busy to maintain our relationship during our later years, I will always cherish our long car-ride conversations as we drove from West Michigan to Lansing for the many higher education...

Dr Hoeksema was my favorite professor at Calvin in the late 70s. He was kind to his students and generously shared his passion for education. Over the years I contacted Dr Hoeksema a few times and he always responded in a gracious and thoughtful way (remembering who I was years later.)

Condolences to his friends and family.

“Well done,, good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:21

I was so blessed to have Tom as my professor, advisor, and friend. I could tell Tom stories forever! We had many laughs, a few tears, and an argument or two over many years of working together with student teachers after I left Calvin. I was so thankful to reconnect with him 3 years ago! What an incredible gift he was to so many. I pray that we all seek to live as he did, loving and caring for all people, as Jesus did. Rest well dear friend, you truly were a good and faithful servant.

I very much enjoyed Tom´s company on the outings of the Birding Interest Group of the Calvin CALL program. He was interested in all aspects of nature. A fine man. Who was fun to be with. I will miss him

After reading the obituary, I feel compelled to tell you what a lovely man. What a life so well lived! I know you´ll miss him, but with his attitude, you know he´ll be very happy where he is.

I remember and respected Prof. Hoeksema. He was exactly what I was looking for in a mentor as I entered my career in Special Education. Every time I would see him after graduation he greeted me like I was the most important person at that moment. He had such a way of smiling and treating everyone with deep care! He was the best! Rejoicing in his heaven going!