Gaylen Leon Hocking, 43, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, July 21, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center with his dad Tom, his best friend Wayne and his fiancee Heather with him.
He was born Feb. 1, 1970, in Pueblo, Colo., to Thomas and Mary Lou Hocking. He has a younger sister, Kendra, whom he loved very much.
Growing up, Gaylen was involved in a lot of sports, of which swimming is what he excelled in. His favorite childhood memories, were of days spent with his family out on the lake boating, water skiing, fishing and camping.
After his years at Centennial High School, he went on to receive his EMT/firefighter certification. His other interests at that time were going to rodeos, riding bulls and wild horse racing. But his passion in life was being a EMT/firefighter. Nothing made him happier than knowing he had a part in helping and saving the lives of complete strangers.
He served on the fire departments in Pueblo, Colo., (Pueblo West) and in Kalispell (Bigfork and Evergreen).
His last four years were spent firefighting and he was a supervisor for the sewer maintenance department for the city of Kalispell.
His spare time was spent with his fiancee Heather, just enjoying life in the Flathead Valley - whether it was fishing in the river, feeding ducks at Woodland Park, cooking at home because he was an excellent cook, going for long drives through the beautiful Montana mountains or just being home enjoying being "together."
Gaylen was a good man with a huge heart.
"A day won't go by that we don't think of you and miss you! We love you Gaylen, always and forever!"
He was preceded in death by his mom Mary Lou Hocking, Grandpa Fred and Grandma Hocking.
Gaylen is survived by his father, Tom, and Patricia Hocking; sister, Kendra, and Rick Criswell; fiancee, Heather Heaton; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that loved him.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at the Evergreen Fire Hall.
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He was born Feb. 1, 1970, in Pueblo, Colo., to Thomas and Mary Lou Hocking. He has a younger sister, Kendra, whom he loved very much.
Growing up, Gaylen was involved in a lot of sports, of which swimming is what he excelled in. His favorite childhood memories, were of days spent with his family out on the lake boating, water skiing, fishing and camping.
After his years at Centennial High School, he went on to receive his EMT/firefighter certification. His other interests at that time were going to rodeos, riding bulls and wild horse racing. But his passion in life was being a EMT/firefighter. Nothing made him happier than knowing he had a part in helping and saving the lives of complete strangers.
He served on the fire departments in Pueblo, Colo., (Pueblo West) and in Kalispell (Bigfork and Evergreen).
His last four years were spent firefighting and he was a supervisor for the sewer maintenance department for the city of Kalispell.
His spare time was spent with his fiancee Heather, just enjoying life in the Flathead Valley - whether it was fishing in the river, feeding ducks at Woodland Park, cooking at home because he was an excellent cook, going for long drives through the beautiful Montana mountains or just being home enjoying being "together."
Gaylen was a good man with a huge heart.
"A day won't go by that we don't think of you and miss you! We love you Gaylen, always and forever!"
He was preceded in death by his mom Mary Lou Hocking, Grandpa Fred and Grandma Hocking.
Gaylen is survived by his father, Tom, and Patricia Hocking; sister, Kendra, and Rick Criswell; fiancee, Heather Heaton; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that loved him.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at the Evergreen Fire Hall.