Eric Kevin Hosek, 65
Eric Kevin Hosek entered this world on March 25, 1953, in Anchorage, Alaska, (one of the last Alaskan territorial births) to Thea and Bob Hosek.
He passed on July 9, 2018, at his home in Whitefish.
Growing up in a military family he started his worldly adventure as the youngest of three rambunctious brothers moving about the Midwest multiple times, graduating high school in Peru, Indiana. Eric’s exploits next took him to Camp Manito-Wish in Northern Wisconsin, an outdoor canoe camp that lit the spark of his outdoor spirit. From there he moved on to the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) where he instructed and lead students in trips throughout Wyoming, the Cascades, Baja, Alaska, and Africa for 14 years.
In 1979 he met his adventure partner and future wife, Dusty Grossman. Eric joined Dusty in Whitefish in 1981, and in 1985 they married. His next stop was the trip of a lifetime — covering four continents, 17 countries, and creating more stories than most make in their lives. Once they returned to Whitefish he put down deep roots and laid the groundwork for becoming a highly involved member of the community.
Eric continued his passion for travel, working at Travel Data Companies, AIS and Orbit, for several years before finding his final career with the D.A. Davidson family as a senior financial advisor. During this time, sons Ian and Tanner came into his life, gifts he treasured, taught, played with, and loved. Family escapades included “forced marches,” whitewater canoeing, and desert trips where there never was a shortage of boiled water.
After being elected twice to the Whitefish School board, Eric served on the Whitefish School District Education Foundation and continued to be an active member even after he stepped down. Beyond education Eric was a member of the Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol, served on the Whitefish Rink advisory board, and was involved with numerous other volunteer activities. He was always willing to lend a hand, offer sound practical advice, or just listen to you without expectations or seeking acknowledgement.
The outdoors was where he was most at home. Fly fishing, bird hunting with close friends and dogs, motorcycling, playing hockey, trap shooting, camping, hiking, canoeing and skiing were the places he spent his free energy. Ones who knew Eric, knew him for his integrity, hard work ethic, willingness to help, quirky sense of humor, encouraging spirit, patience and tolerance. He was someone you could count on when times were tough or easy and honest as the day is long. Eric’s storytelling was masterful and could hook your attention with just a single word, often having the entire room in tears of joy and laughter. He could be serious, intellectual, witty and funny all within a single sentence. Never short on camp games and entertainment, you were lucky to have his company around a campfire. Eric navigated life and the outdoors with love.
Eric is survived by Dusty, his wife; sons, Ian (Stacy) and Tanner; brothers, Mike (Mary Lou), and Bryan; sister, Janie; and numerous close cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
Eric always said “the sun will come up in the morning,” — may it be shining somewhere on him too.
Eric’s celebration of life will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 20, at 4500 Farm to Market Road, Whitefish.
In Eric’s honor consider donating to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), Whitefish Community Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Austin Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for Eric’s family.