William Joseph Hoxie

William Joseph Hoxie (Will) was an extraordinary person with an amazing life. Will was in a kayaking accident on the Kern River on June 14, 2023. The water and the rapids that day were well within his ability. He was born in 1997 in Concord, California, to Sara and Glenn Hoxie, and was the youngest of three children.
When Will was three years old the family moved from Martinez, California, to Shasta County. Will grew up at Roadrunner Farm near Palo Cedro. He attended Chrysalis Charter School and graduated from Foothill High School in 2015. He participated in track and field, drama and completed Fire Academy. Will took classes and was involved in the Outdoor Recreational Leadership program at Feather River College in Quincy. He was a gifted musician and song writer. He recently worked for the Resource Conservation District in Plumas County.
Will was part of a river loving family. He became a whitewater rafting guide and then an accomplished kayaker. His home river was the Trinity in Northern California, but he traveled to Oregon, Idaho, North Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Chili, and other places to learn their rivers. He often worked as a support kayaker. Will spent many days paddling with his brother Ben. The two were known as the Hoxie Boys. He participated in whitewater kayaking festivals and competitions. He was trained in swift water rescue, kayak instruction, and wilderness first response. In 2021, Will stayed in Big Flat with a small group and protected what he could as the Monument Fire burned through the town.
Will has been described as a selfless, loving, bigger than life person; an adventuresome spirit who was always barefoot, always smiling in a way that made everyone better. He had a deep gentle laugh and a guitar at hand. He was creative. Small children and all animals loved him. As a big cousin he was the very best. Will was confident and so funny he could make you laugh until you cried. He had more friends than stars in the sky.
He is survived by his parents Sara and Glenn Hoxie, sister Miriam Wert (Dallas) brother, Benjamin Hoxie (Nina) grandmother, Susan Crandell, aunts, uncles, and cousins in abundance. A Celebration of Life for Will is scheduled at Center for Spiritual Living, 1905 Hartnell Ave, Redding, CA 96002, July 1, 2023 at 1:30 PM with reception to follow. A Stoke Float with a celebration in his honor will be held on July 15th, in Big Flat, California.
We love flowers but would rather you donate in his name. Here are some suggestions:
Rios to Rivers
https://www.riostorivers.org/
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SAT6Z96NPEMQS
Clean and Sober NorCal Whitewater
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2794326724148169/
https://venmo.com/Norcal-Whitewater
California Land Institute Fish Friendly Farming
https://www.fishfriendlyfarming.org/