Frederick Raymond Hook Jr.

Frederick Raymond Hook Jr. Oct. 18, 1924 - July 18, 2006 Resident of Castro Valley Frederick Raymond Hook Jr., a prominent Bay Area orthopedic surgeon, passed away Tuesday morning, July 18, at his home in Castro Valley. He was born October 18, 1924 in Chicago, IL, the second of five children to RADM Frederick R. Hook MD and his wife, Hester. Being raised in a Navy family, Fred spent his childhood in many places to include Hawaii, Samoa, San Diego, Boston and graduated from Western High School in Washington D.C. After a brief enlistment in the Army, the Air Force selected Fred to attend Georgetown Medical School where he met and married his first wife, Mary. Medical school was followed by internship at Letterman Army Hospital and orthopedic residency at Duke University. He served 14 years in the Air Force including assignments in England and Travis AFB before settling in Castro Valley in 1957. He was a founding partner of Associated Orthopedics of Hayward, and was on staff for many years at both Eden and St. Rose Hospitals, serving as the first Chief of Staff at St Rose. Fred was an innovative surgeon, and was one of the pioneers of total hip replacement surgery and other cutting edge orthopedic surgery. Although he was a great orthopedist, his true love was helping others. He made tremendous contributions to the treatment of children with multiple neurological handicaps. For more than 30 years he spent every Friday morning at California Children Services clinics for underprivileged children with cerebral palsy and multiple handicaps. He was also instrumental in the organization of a horseback therapy program for children with neuromuscular disease. In 1995 the California State Legislature recognized him for his time, effort and innovative treatment of children with cerebral palsy. In addition, he was also an active member of both the Lion's Club and the St. Anthony's Society. Fred was known simply as 'Doc' to most of his friends and neighbors. The cowboy way of life he enjoyed on his Crow Canyon Rd ranch for the past 40 years was very important to him. His avocations also included equine orthopedics and he enjoyed working alongside local veterinarian, Nolan Sharp. An active member of the Sonoma County Trail Blazers since 1965, he just finished his last trail ride in June. He remains the official "Doc" of the Hayward Rodeo Association. Fred is survived by his wife, Faye; his sister, Patricia of Alexandria, Virginia; his sister-in-law, Andre of London; his six children, Kathleen Meyer of Lafayette, Patrick of Seward, Alaska, Jenny Rainwater of San Antonio, Texas, Marianne of Walnut Creek, Frederick III of San Leandro, and Matthew of San Leandro; and six grandchildren. He was also a loving stepfather to Elizabeth, Susan and Christopher and grandfather to their children. We will all miss hearing him ring off with "Cheerio." Cheerio Fred.