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Michael Craig Hockaday

Michael Hockaday Obituary

Hockaday, Michael Craig
51, lost his long courageous battle fighting cancer on March 7, 2009. His family and loved ones are comforted by knowing that he is with the Lord, not in pain and now doing all the adventurous things he loved in heaven. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Maria, mother Joyce Lewis, sisters Diana Bedient (Andy), Kathy Dugywyler (Dave); brothers Chuck Hockaday (Robin) and Steve Hockaday (Sandy). Other loved ones include Aunt Joann and Aunt Dot, stepdaughter Bianca Duarte, Carlos Quinones, Terry (Jerry) Leyva, Carlos Jr. (Sharon) Quinones, Tina (Mac) Araiza, Lucille (Arnold) Reyes, Michael (Kathy) Quinones and Albert (JoAnna) Quinones, Godchildren Jake, Shayla, Makaila and Teaonie, plus many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father Charles Hockaday. Mike retired from Fry's Food Stores and was proud to be their Chief Union Steward. He will be remembered for his extraordinary sense of humor, generosity and compassion for others. Mike had a passion for adventure and experienced many new activities the last few years with his family and friends. A celebration of his life will be held at New Life Community Church, 8155 W. Thunderbird Road on March 14th at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are sent to www.relayforlife.org/peoriaaz and look for team Mike (Craig) Hockaday.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Mar. 11, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Hockaday

21 Entries

Karen Akers

March 7, 2010

It's so hard to believe that it's been a year since you've been gone. You are missed every day. We love you!
Shawn, Karen, Jake & Shayla

January 16, 2010

Craig, This was our first Christmas without you..As I said at your
Celebration of Life Service, your leaving us has left a hole in our life. I
miss you so much as we all do..So many times I have said I wish you where here when I had a decision to make, you would know what to do and would help me. I'm sure you are smiling down on us..I love you and miss you...Aunt Jo Ann

Karen Akers

December 22, 2009

Thinking of you on your birthday and missing you terribly. We love you Mike.
Love, Shawn, Karen, Jake & Shayla

Shana Akers-Vanderhoff

November 29, 2009

The holidays this year will definitely not be the same without Uncle Mike's visit. The song "Somethin' 2 believe in" will always b dedicated 2 u..you will always and forever b in our hearts and memories! We Love u!

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Karen Akers

June 7, 2009

We all miss you so much. We have so many great memories, 28 years worth!! Shawn & I have been playing that song "Something to believe in" a lot lately because it reminds us of all the times the three of us would go out and sing to that song. We thought we were so good! We think about you every day and talk about you all the time. Thank you for being Shawn's best friend and Jake and Shayla's "Uncle Mike." We love you.

joyce lewis

April 10, 2009

In Loving Memory, To a Wonderful Son.I will always Love you, and I will miss you everyday.you brought so much joy in my life,You also made me laugh a lot. I will miss your jokes and smiling face.Life will not be the same without you. Love Mom

Jo Ann Ghio

March 23, 2009

To My Dearest Craig, My Nephew, My Friend... I will so miss your laughter..your generosity..your gentleness..I think God for allowing me to be on the trip to Hawaii and then Houston, I think of the last day we had together on the lake..Here we are Joyce, you and I and Maria with our GPS's and you giving us a 101 class in how to use it and us laughing..You have left us way too soon..but I know you are in heaven and without pain...I'm sure you are with your Dad..for he was a good man and he so loved his family..You have left each of us with lots of memories and I am a better person for having someone like you in my life..Love Aunt Jo Ann

Dave Dugwyler

March 22, 2009

I've been blessed to have been a part of the family for 25 years. Craig has always made me laugh with his great sense of humor. Always giving and never wanting. I'm sure you are busy making room for each of us in heaven right now. You left all of us with many treasured memories.
Your brother in law
Dave

william turner

March 20, 2009

I just found yesterday about mikes passing and im truly sorry for your loss. I worked with mike for 20 years but other than a few times since i left frys id lost touch with him. Mike was one of the best friends i had from frys and i will surely feel a loss. we spent a lot of time on his corvette and i laugh alot about the bruised knuckles. Someday id like to tell you about "Mr. Corvette" i think youd enjoy the stories.
Our thoughts and prayers go with you and your family.
William Turner & family

Ted & Becky Lewis

March 17, 2009

To all the Hockaday family & Joyce
Are hearts are with you all. If there's anything we can do please call. We love you all Ted & Becky Lewis

Shana Vanderhoff (Akers)

March 14, 2009

I just wanted to express my sincere condolences to the Hockaday family and friends as I am so extremely grateful to have known Mike. Mike was not only my Dad's (Shawn Akers) best friend but like a brother he never had. Mike has been a part of our family for as long as I can remember and has had such a positive impact on all of our lives, even to my younger brother and sister, who is "Uncle Mike" to them. Mike will always be remembered for not only his greatness as a person but for his love, care and compassion. He is one of the best men I have known and am so lucky to have known him - he will always be reminisced with much love.

CHUCK

March 13, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

steve hockaday

March 12, 2009

Craig you taught me so much about what true strength is .your love for are family will keep us strong i miss you. i'll see you in heaven love steve

Robin Hockaday

March 12, 2009

Brother-in-Law, Friend, Traveler, Adventurer, Shopper..never a quitter and always a friend to all. I could not have had a better person in my life to call my Brother-in-Law. I Love You and you will be missed all day every day...............

shannon hatch

March 12, 2009

Maria and family,
I am so sorry. My heart is with you - if there's anything I can do, please let me know.
shannon

Jennifer Meyer

March 11, 2009

To the Hockaday family, my condolences are with you. Craig was a very good friend of my father, Mike Hallen. I knew him when I was a young girl and my dad and him would take me or Organ Stop Pizza after a fun day on his boat. I will never forget when he let me sit in the drivers seat of his red corvette when I was 8 years old. He was a man with great spirit and fun at heart.

Stephanie Castro

March 11, 2009

Maria, I hope that you know that MIke is in a better place now and is waiting for you to get there. Mike was a very nice person in side and out and I will always remember how much he loved candy, he always took cany form the cany bowl at Dr, Rakkars office....We will all miss him.

Joe and Ronda Liddle

March 11, 2009

I knew Mike for 20+ years working for Fry's. He was a very kind person and wore his heart on his sleeve, was always willing to help other people. He always seemed to do the right thing and had a good heart. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Aunt Dot Thomas

March 11, 2009

Craig, I believe that God has a lot of exciting adventures in heaven and you are right in the middle of them. No union is needed in heaven, so that job here on earth is finished. you have received the inheritance God promised you and you are pain free. For you I rejoice! ...but to all who loved you here on earth...may you experience God's love and comfort in a most amazing way! Cry when you need to...laugh at very special funny memories...and cry some more...love God for truly he loves you and will walk with you in this sad time. I love you, Dot

Elisa Duarte

March 11, 2009

Our condolences and heart felt sympathy to Maria, Bianca and the Hockaday family. We were very sorry to hear about Mike's passing, but we're sure the memories and good times will stay with you forever. Our love and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.
We love you "Sue Ellen",
The Duarte and Castillo Families

Shawn, Karen, Jake & Shayla Akers

March 11, 2009

Dear Hockaday Family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Mike had such a huge impact on all of our lives. He will be missed more than words can say. It was an honor to know him and be able to call him our friend.
Please know that we are here if you need anything.
WE LOVE YOU MIKE

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