Brian Hoke, LT (USN)

Lieutenant Brian Hoke, US Navy and CIA

DOB: April 4, 1974

KIA: October 21, 2016

"Reader, if you seek this man’s monument—look around you,” the priest spoke as 500 friends and family filled Memorial Hall on 28 October 2016 to reflect on the life of Brian Ray Hoke. A life cut far too short, but one lived more fully than most, Brian died in the service of his country on 21 October 2016 at the age of 42.

The youngest of three children, Brian was born on 4 April 1974 in Cambridge, NE, and grew up in South Dakota. From an early age, Brian loved the outdoors, hiking and fishing whenever he could. He excelled at every sport, notably football, basketball, and baseball, and later in life he developed an enduring passion for surfing. He was well-read, painted beautiful artwork and played the violin.

Brian graduated from USNA with the Class of 1996 and realized his dream of becoming a SEAL, graduating from BUD/S class 210 in April 1997. He served at SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two and SEAL Teams Three and Seven with deployments to EUCom and CentCom. Following his military career, Brian remained in government service as a civilian with tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the globe.

Brian married his wife, Christy, in 2008. His love for family apparent, Brian adopted Christy’s two boys, Sean and Stuart. Brian and Christy added to their family in 2015 with the birth of Adelaide, whom Brian adored. Always a role model, Brian organized outings between cousins and siblings to knit his extended family closer together with outdoor activities and adventures. Despite a hectic work life, he stayed close with friends around the world.

Through his humility, sense of humor, talent, dedication and love for others, Brian became a larger than life figure who touched the souls of people from all walks of life. Most recently, Brian devoted himself to helping those from his group who had been wounded or killed, raising thousands of dollars for those who could no longer serve and those left behind.

Brian is survived by his wife, Christy; their three children, Sean, Stuart and Adelaide; his parents, Dan and Virginia; sister, Mary; brother, Dan Jr.; and their families.

Brian loved his family, his friends and his country. He gave his life protecting those he loved. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

From the January-February 2017 issue of Shipmate.