Lanzy was born June 7, 1940, to Lanzy and Elsie Hoke. He graduated from Pe Ell High School in 1958, where he met the love of his life, Kathy. After graduation and a stint in the Marines, Lanzy worked in the woods at Weyerhaeuser for several years. He also worked at the WidCo Coal Mine, now known as TransAlta, before returning to the woods and driving log truck. After a cancer diagnosis made work impossible, Lanzy began to enjoy the outdoors and the births of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family dogs were the highlight of his days. The gruff, tough, hardworking man quickly melted into a big soft teddy bear when the kids began arriving, and he eventually became an overly protective great-grandpa lovingly referred to as Grampy. The great-grandkids could do no wrong in his eyes, and he had words for the parents who said otherwise.
His early years were spent working hard, playing cards, hunting and fishing. His later years were spent touring the property and supervising outdoor projects from a side-by-side, with Kathy riding shotgun. Thousands of hours were spent in the driver’s seat of that side-by-side patrolling the property, visiting neighbors, watching the garden grow or finding any other reason to be outside.
Griz will be missed by all the friends and family who were lucky enough to be part of his life. The endless stories and fun times will never be forgotten. We will forever miss the sound of that side-by-side coming up the driveway, circling the house and continuing into the woods.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Kathy; his children, Suzie Hoke, Angie (Clayton) Trouchet, Ivy Hoke, and Troy (Hillary) Hoke. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Frank Mako, Brian Mako, Christine Mako, Luke Hoke, Travis Hoke, Shaina (Travis) Bingham, Taylor (Mike) Philp, Kayla Hoke and Hunter (Macy) Hoke; 15 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lanzy and Elsie Hoke; his sister, Molly Morris; and his in-laws, Les and Dorothy Case.
A celebration-of-life potluck will be held at the Pe Ell VFW Hall on June 27, 2026, following a graveside service at Dryad Cemetery at 1 p.m.
