Henry Mark Hoskins' Obituary
Henry Mark Hoskins passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2022, at the age of 84 with those he loved most in this world by his side. Hank lived a very full, active, and happy life. He took on his illness as he took on life, with a never give up, can do attitude. His determination and love for his family gave him many more years than initially expected.
His every thought and action were about and for his family. It is for this reason; he has chosen to have a non-traditional celebration of life and made all arrangements down to the most intricate detail. He has asked that the family hold a celebration when they feel ready to do so that is filled with happiness and most of all, music, lots of music from all genres. As an accomplished pianist himself and part of a musically gifted family that had their own dixie land type band, he grew up surrounded the talent and creativity expressed by music. He enjoyed sharing his love and passion of music with everyone.
Prior to his retirement, Hank had a highly successful career as a data base management expert which inevitably led him to the esteemed position of Vice President for MascoTech Marketing Services in Auburn Hills, MI. He was very instrumental in creating and implementing customer loyalty programs that still exist today for top automotive companies nationwide. Hank raised his family in the beautiful town of Hartland since the 60’s with his late devoted wife of 44 years, Lorraine Ann Hoskins. Together they shared an adventurous, loving relationship while instilling the importance of family values into the lives of their 3 children, Michael Allen, Michelle Ann, and Kelly Lorraine. They made many lifelong friends as a result of being a part of a small rural town that has grown so rapidly. From the small-town filled with corn fields, and dirt roads of years past, they enjoyed the benefits of a close-knit community.
As one of the founders of the HAYYA (Hartland Area Youth Athletic Association), he was very involved in the community and was committed to the betterment of young athletes. He mentored and gave children who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to participate. He encouraged them to excel in sports specifically baseball and football. He led many teams to championship seasons and has continued to be the “favorite coach” by many. To this day he continues to be admired and respected as “Coach Hoskins” and the outpouring of love has reminded us of what he meant to so many people.
He lived his later years with his adoring and loving wife of 17 years, Phyllis Crean-Hoskins in East China (St. Clair). Phyllis cared for him with the upmost compassion and selflessness for these past few years. As a remarkably close family, the distance was sometimes difficult, but Phyllis and her family loved him as one of their own. They shared many special memories and good times together and Hank enjoyed those relationships very much.
Kimberly (Mark) Bush, Lynn Crean (Chris Snarski) and grandchildren Ryan (Kim) Dooley, Lauren Dooley, and Shannon Bush.
Hank had many interests and remained highly active playing Softball until the age of 82 on Senior World Teams where he won 3 World Championships. He even met former Detroit Tigers Player Dan “Peaches” Petry at an event who said, “I hope I look as good and can play as well as you when I am your age.”
In addition to softball, he loved to snowmobile, hunt, ride 4 Wheelers, play his piano, and cheer for his beloved Michigan Wolverines. His greatest love, aside from his family, was his slice of heaven, his beautiful log cabin in the woods. Bear Wallow Camp III in Atlanta, Michigan was where he enjoyed many hunting seasons with his best friends, his son Mike, Grandson Billy, and closest pals, son-in-law Jeff, Dave, John, Pat, Kevin, and Chris to name a few. Bear Wallow Camp III will forever be a place of comfort for Hanks’ family and friends in the years to come. Celebrations and family weekends will continue in his honor each time we enter the gate. He will always be with us.
Hank was a wonderful, amazing role model, mentor, and loyal loving one-of-a-kind man to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves us with his gifts of the importance and meaning of family, kindness, humor, determination, never give up and never give in attitude, we will continue living our lives using these gifts in his honor. We thank him for the impact, influence, experiences, and meaning he has brought to each of our lives.
Carrying on with him always in the forefront of our minds and hearts will be:
His Sister: Janice Beverly (late husband Vincent James “Jimmy”) Gacchina of Palm Desert, CA
His Children: Michael Allen (Katherine) Hoskins of Hartland, MI, Michelle Ann Hoskins of Fenton, MI, and Kelly Lorraine (Jeffrey) Payne of Fenton, MI.
His Grandchildren: William Henry Buck, Kaylee Michelle Payne, Ally Erin Payne, Riley Ann Payne, and Michael Allen Hoskins, Jr. “MJ”
The joy of life is the journey and not the destination.
“What a ride”!!!
~Hank Hoskins
1938 - 2022
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