November 2005 | Vol. 23, No. 11

Gene Hokanson Dies in Private Airplane Crash

Gene Hokanson, 67, President of D.E. Hokanson, Inc. in Bellevue, WA, died unexpectedly in a private airplane crash on Oct. 15, in Everett, WA. According to news reports, Gene was piloting a demonstration flight with two high schools girls from the Young Eagles, a national organization that gives free general aviation flights to young students to interest them in aviation.

Gene, who worked with Dr. Gene Strandness at the VA Hospital in Seattle more than 35 years ago, was a pioneer in the field of noninvasive vascular diagnosis. Since 1973 D.E. Hokanson, Inc. has provided noninvasive diagnostic instruments of the highest quality to the medical community. Gene created innovative vascular diagnostic systems that were used by many in the vascular ultrasound profession. He was well respected in the profession and a friend to many. Gene loved working with people and introducing them to new things. He also had a passion for private aircraft flying. According to a Seattle Times article Gene started flying six years ago and bought his own plane about two years ago.

He leaves his wife, Sigrid, and two children, Kyra Gray, who is Director of Marketing at D.E. Hokanson, Inc., and Arvid, who is a radio show producer at Seattle’s KUOW public radio station.

A memorial service for Gene Hokanson was held at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church in Mercer Island, WA, on Oct. 29, 2005. Private expressions of sympathy may be made to the Hokanson family at: 8456 North Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040-3134. The SVU Board of Directors and staff express their deepest sympathy to the Hokanson family and employees on the sudden loss of Gene Hokanson. He will be missed by many in the vascular ultrasound profession.