William Charles (Bill) Van Hook was born in Miami, Arizona to Charles and Irene (English) Van Hook on January 19th, 1927. Bill was a graduate of Miami High school in Arizona. Shortly after his 17th birthday, he joined the Navy, and sailed to many countries, including China and the Persian Gulf.
After his discharge, he attended the University of Arizona, and later enrolled at Coyne Electrical school in Chicago. Bill did his electrical apprenticeship at the Inspiration copper Mine in Miami, Arizona. Bill received his Journeyman License, and moved his family to the Los Angeles area.
He worked on the construction of the Firestone Tire Factory. He then took the job of Electrician and Assistant Superintendent at the Palomar Mountain Observatory in San Diego, California. Later, he was promoted to Superintendent at the Observatory.
Tired from the years of 24/7 responsibility at Palomar, Bill moved to Oregon in 1978 to start his own business where he founded Van’s Electric, Inc. After retirement, he took up wood carving and ceramics, joining the Coastal Carvers and Yaquina Art Association. He was a member of the Christadellphian church, giving many talks and exhortations. Bill died on December 19th, 2018 with his family by his side at his home in South Beach, Oregon.
He was 91 years old. Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, La Velle Van Hook, his daughters Cindy Ammendolia and Carol, and their husbands Paul and Mark. He is also survived by his son Charles and his wife Lynda Van Hook.
Bill has 11 grandkids, 16 great-grandkids, and on great-great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his nephews Keith Dindinger and his wife Ellen, and Lee Arther, and his niece Nancy Matthews. He was a great family man with a great sense of humor and a certain love of God.
Bill will be missed by all. Amazing Grace: Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now am found T’was blind but now I see T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear And Grace, my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed Through many dangers, toils and snares We have already come. T’was grace that brought us safe thus far And grace will lead us home, Amazing grace, Howe Sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now am found T’was blind but now I see God is my Strong Salvation: God is my strong salvation: What foe have I to fear?
In darkness and temptation, my light, my help is near. Though hosts encamp around me, firm in the fight I stand. What terror can confound me, with God at my right hand?
Place on the Lord reliance; my soul, with courage, wait. His truth will be my sustenance, when faint and desolate. His might my heart shall strengthen, His love my joy increase.
Mercy my days shall lengthen; the Lord will give me peace.
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