Obituary of Bruce P. Hokanson

Bruce P. Hokanson, 74, of Sumner Street in Jamestown, passed away Sunday, June 18, 2023 in his home with his family by his side, following a short but fierce battle with cancer. Bruce was born in Jamestown, January 2, 1949, the son of the late Paul and Olga Sjoquist Hokanson. A graduate of Jamestown High School, Bruce was a self-employed electrician who owned and operated Hokanson Electric in Jamestown for over 40 years. He was the husband of Dorothy Textor Hokanson whom he married June 15, 1985. Dorothy instilled in Bruce a love of horses and together they built their home and farm, Bonibrook Shires. They raised and showed English Shire draft horses for many years winning a number of national championships. In addition to horses, Bruce was a lover of all creatures big or small and never met an animal he didn't like, including dogs, cats, chickens, as well as different kinds of wildlife. He especially looked forward to the arrival of the barn swallows that marked the start of spring every year. Bruce was a lifelong hockey enthusiast who obtained his advanced level coaching certification in 1986. From the early 1980's until 2020 Bruce coached through all levels of CCYHA hockey and beyond. Notable highlights of his coaching career include NYS Midget championships in 1996 and 1997, Super Sunday championships in 1996, 1998, 2010 and 2020 and a New York State large school championship for the Jamestown Raiders Varsity team in 2010. He also served as goalie coach for the St. Bonaventure Men's club team and an assistant coach for the Fredonia Men's hockey team. Along with his wife Dorothy, surviving are two daughters, Ashley (Greg) Noon of Jamestown and Dr. Caitlin (Kenneth) Stoner of Cleveland; a son, Brian Hokanson of Jamestown; five grandchildren: Griffin Noon, Ellyse Noon, Dillon Hokanson, Samantha Hokanson, Monica Simmons; and two sisters, Lynne (daughter Rose) and Chris Hokanson, both of Columbus, OH. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held Sunday July 30th from 1-4pm at his home. Visitation will not be observed. In lieu of flowers and cards, please donations can be made to Chautauqua County Youth Hockey Alumni Association, P.O. Box 221, Falconer, New York 14733 - or can be sent via PayPal to ourvoiceguy@gmail.com. Memorials made in honor of Bruce will be used to support future Clyde W. Card Memorial Lakers Alumni Hockey Games.