Don Charles Hokanson

Don Charles Hokanson, a long-time and beloved resident of Bountiful, Utah, passed away on April 13, 2026, after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). A man defined by his unwavering faith, keen intellect, and remarkable work ethic, Don leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and profound love for his family and community.

Born on December 29, 1939, in Orange, California, to Charles Rasmus and Dollie Hannah (Heath) Hokanson, Don was raised in Anaheim. From an early age, he exhibited a drive for excellence and a love for the outdoors, earning the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout and attending the renowned Philmont Scout Ranch.

Don's life was firmly rooted in his devotion to his faith. He began his higher education at Brigham Young University, where he met the love of his life, Peggy Jane Gardner. His studies were paused when he answered the call to serve a two-and-a-half-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Spanish-speaking Texas Mission. This experience solidified a lifelong passion for missionary work and lifting others. Upon his honorable return in 1963, he and Peggy were married and sealed for time and eternity in the Los Angeles Temple, embarking on a remarkable 63-year partnership together.

Don went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics from California State University, Fullerton. In 1967, he and his growing family relocated to Bountiful, Utah, as he joined the Physics Department at the University of Utah. A true visionary, Don conducted pioneering experiments and developed functional prototype sensors based on organic semiconductors—an innovative area of research that was largely ignored for the next thirty years before the rest of the world caught up to his foresight.

In 1971, Don channeled his ingenuity and legendary work ethic into a new venture, founding Hide-Away Homes, Inc., to build cabins across Utah. Armed with little more than an old truck, inherited tools, and boundless determination, he grew the business into the successful HHI Corporation. Upon his retirement, he sold the company to his son and daughter-in-law, Cliff and Regina, though Don never truly stopped working. He continued to actively invest in and manage real estate properties right up until his passing.

Upon his retirement, Don and Peggy's profound devotion to family led them to establish a second home in Sandy, Oregon. They truly cherished this season of life, gracefully balancing their time between their deep roots in Utah and the Pacific Northwest, ensuring they remained a steadfast and connected presence in the lives of their loved ones, regardless of the distance.

To all who knew him, Don was the embodiment of thrift, faith, and perseverance. These guiding principles not only built a successful career but also enabled him to generously provide for the advanced education of his grandchildren—a gift that will ripple through generations. He served faithfully in numerous church callings throughout his life, always keeping missionary work close to his heart. Through his quiet example and steadfast dedication, he was a positive and guiding influence to countless people. He always made time to be there for the important family events, and spent most of his downtime calling friends and family to check in and stay connected.

Don is joyfully reunited with those who preceded him in death: his parents, Charles and Dollie; his sisters, Helen (Hokanson) Haney, and June (Hokanson) Mackay and her late husband, Warren; his beloved children, Cami R. (Hokanson) Billin and Cliff R. Hokanson; and his precious granddaughter, Shannon Hokanson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy Jane; his sons, Don M. (Jeannine) Hokanson, Russell A. (Chikako) Hokanson, and Craig R. (Emily) Hokanson; his son-in-law, Aaron Billin; his daughter-in-law, Regina Hokanson; and his brother-in-law, Nathan Haney. His memory will be forever cherished and honored by his 21 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, who are the proud beneficiaries of his extraordinary legacy.

Services to honor Don's life will be held in both Oregon and Utah. Oregon services will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., with a viewing preceding at 5:00 p.m., at the Sandy Funeral Home, 39551 Pleasant St, Sandy, OR.

Utah services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing preceding at 9:45 a.m., at the Bountiful 34th Ward, 540 North 1200 East, Bountiful, Utah.Interment will follow the Utah services at Memorial Lakeview Cemetery, 1640 Lakeview Dr., Bountiful, UT.