Christopher John Hocker's Obituary
Christopher John Hocker (Chris) 40, of Cedar Hills, Utah passed away on December 4, 2025 at St. Marks Hospital in Salt Lake City.
Chris was born on July 24, 1985, in Alamosa, Colorado to Seth and Tami Hocker. Chris earned his Eagle Scout award in 2002. Chris received a certificate of completion from Lone Peak High School in 2004. Not satisfied with that, he enrolled in Alpine Life and Learning Center and received his High School diploma. Chris continued his education by taking classes at Mountainland Applied Technology College and Salt Lake Community College, receiving various certificates. Chris served a Service Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and worked in the Family History Center near the Mount Timpanogos Temple. He also served in many callings in his home ward. Christopher worked in multiple fast food establishments, for Wal-Mart, and for various temporary agencies.
Christopher developed a seizure disorder early in life, and over time it progressed to the point where life saving surgery was required. At age 14, he required the right hemisphere of his brain to be removed. This left him with hemiparesis on the left side of his body. In time, he relearned to walk and with adaptations he could manage his life normally. At age 15, he required surgery on his right leg to straighten the bones and strengthen the dominant leg. Once again he had to learn to walk.
Chris craved independence. He spent many years traveling, taking trips to Las Vegas, California, New York and Scotland by himself. He learned to scuba dive and joined a group of disabled divers, mostly veterans, called the Dive Pirates, who dived in the Cayman Islands for several years. He got his HAM radio licence and purchased a radio and antenna. He took up photography and could be seen all over Utah and Salt Lake counties with a camera around his neck. He rode a three wheeled bicycle everywhere. He enjoyed fishing in the Provo River, and his last hobby was 3D printing. He knew the bus and train routes throughout Utah and could get wherever he wanted to go.
In recent years, Chris’ physical and mental health declined, leaving him frustrated with his lack of independence and angry at the world. This past year he suffered multiple health scares. He dealt with homelessness and lived in a nursing care facility.
Chris made a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Chris is survived by his mother, Tami Hocker, his brothers; Daniel, Ryan (Kuki), Rustin (Tainara) and Cody, and sisters Brandi (Brian Hansen), Ashley (Zeb Petterson). He is also survived by his grandmother Patricia Wesley, grandfather Rusty Phelps, grandmother Karon Phelps as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Chris was preceded in death by his Father Seth Hocker in 2001.
A viewing will be held from 11 am-12 pm December 12th at Premier Funeral Services, 67 East 8000 South, Salt Lake City. The memorial will be at 6 pm the same day at the Cedar Hills 1st Ward Chapel, located at 4355 West Cedar Hills Drive, Cedar Hills. Internment will be near his father in the Peyton Cemetery in Peyton, Colorado.
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