In Loving Memory

Christopher A. Hoogbruin

Kettle Falls resident, Christopher A. Hoogbruin, age 72, passed away January 12, 2025 at his home with his loving wife, Beata, at his side.  Chris was born April 22, 1952 in San Francisco, CA.  Chris worked as a Private Investigator most of his career.  It was during this time of life that he would meet his true love, Beata Drwiega while they were bowling with friends.  Friends later told Beata that Chris watched her bowling and told them "She's going to be my wife!"  Their love blossomed and it wasn't long before the two were engaged and on their way to Poland for a wedding!

As the day grew closer, Chris could be found dancing and singing about the Polish community, "I'm going to get married to Beata tomorrow!"  Throughout their courtship he wrote poetry and songs for Beata.  The two shared a special bond.  While watching an Ally McBeal episode, they incorporated the use of a phrase to express "I Love You" to one another.  Their phrase was "Zimbabwe."  It was a word that was unique and held great meaning and love for them.

Chris was known as a chatter box to many.  He never met a stranger and loved visiting people.  He enjoyed fishing, sports – especially football, playing poker – he won some tournaments and worked for a casino as well.  Chris loved to cook and was quite accomplished at it.  He, Beata, and their son, David would have Food Cooking Contests regularly.  One of his specialties was New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with bourbon sauce.  Beata remembers fondly awaking on Thanksgiving morning the year they were married and smelling the roasting turkey and his yams made with amaretto and orange.

Chris had many great qualities and abilities.  However, learning Polish was not one of them.  Despite this disability, he would do his best speak and offer praise and love to his new family and to Beata.  Sadly, some of his words were less than flattering to the intended person.  Sad as it may be, all got many a good laugh and chuckle from his efforts.

Chris was reared in San Francisco, CA.  He enjoyed fishing.  He had a newspaper route that provided him a little spending money he used to buy his dream bicycle.  His mother was a U.S. Army nurse.  While she worked, he stayed with his grandmother and was in military school.

Chris was preceded in death by his grandmother and mother.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Beata and their son, David.

A Funeral Mass is planned for February 26, 2025 at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colville, WA.  Burial will take place at a later date in Poland.  Please visit the online memorial website and sign his guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted with his care.