Navy veteran, community leader, and motorcycle mentor Curt Van Hooser remembered with tribute ride, heartfelt ceremony, and lasting legacy through new scholarship fund
FOLSOM—With American flags waving and motorcycle engines humming beneath the morning sky, a powerful show of community love roared through Folsom Saturday morning as hundreds of riders and mourners gathered to honor the life of Curt Van Hooser.
Van Hooser, a Navy veteran and longtime leader in the regional motorcycle community, passed away earlier this month following a tragic crash. On Saturday, friends, family, and supporters assembled for one final ride in his honor—a special procession that reflected the impact of a man whose influence spanned generations, organizations, and road miles.
The tribute ride began at Folsom Harley-Davidson shortly after 9 a.m., where riders gathered around Van Hooser’s Harley, sharing memories and embracing his family. The crowd then formed a motorcycle procession stretching for miles, heading south on Folsom-Auburn Road, across the iconic Folsom Lake Crossing, then west through Greenback Lane before arriving at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park in Fair Oaks, where Van Hooser was laid to rest with full military honors.
See Instagram video highlights from Curt’s final ride Saturday over @FolsomTimes.
Following Sutton’s speech and several personal testimonies from friends and fellow riders, emotions were high as the memorial service paid homage to the values Van Hooser stood for—respect, kindness, honor, and service.
“He has blessed our life, and we are here today to honor a great man,” said George Sutton, who opened Saturday’s tribute. As president of the Sacramento chapter of Black Sheep, Sutton reflected on the unique spirit that defined Van Hooser and the community he helped shape. “This right here is a true testimony of how many people his life touched.”
Sutton spoke of the bond among motorcycle riders, a shared understanding of risk and passion that’s hard to explain to outsiders. “Those who choose to live this life have made the decision that the beauty of the ride far outweighs the risks,” he said. “Something happened to Curt, but I truly believe he was doing something that he loved.”
The powerful eulogy highlighted Van Hooser’s character as a Navy veteran of 20 years, a man whose strength was equally matched by humility. “Meekness is not weakness, but power under control,” said Sutton. “It is gentleness and humility combined with self-control and strength. That was Curt.”
Van Hooser was remembered as a devoted husband, father, and mentor. His family was deeply woven into the day’s events, including his wife Cyndee Reed Van Hooser and daughters Jessica Van Hooser, Angela Van Hooser, and Heather Dome. Attendees heard stories of Curt and Cyndee reconnecting decades after childhood memories and building a life filled with love, family rides, and shared purpose.
“You are here today because Curt loved you, and you loved him,” Sutton told the crowd.
A respected figure in several veteran and rider organizations, Van Hooser served in leadership roles with the American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard Riders, and was the founder of Sierra Thunder Folsom alongside his wife Cyndee. Fellow riders, including lifelong friends, described thousands of shared road miles with Curt at the helm, often guiding the way with calm strength and a grin beneath his helmet.
The ceremony continued with a special presentation of military honors. The U.S. Navy rendered a formal salute, and the gathered crowd stood in silence as the American flag was respectfully folded and presented to the Van Hooser family.
For his daughter Jessica, the community’s response has been both comforting and inspiring. A GoFundMe campaign launched in the days after Van Hooser’s passing raised more than $17,000, exceeding the original memorial goal and now opening the door to something much more enduring.
“We have been approved by American River College to start the Curt Van Hooser Scholarship Fund,” Jessica shared. “We will be working closely with ARC starting Monday. The remaining money after the Celebration of Life will be contributed to the scholarship. Any money donated in the future will be donated also. Thank you so much for making this happen. Papa’s legacy will stay alive because of you.”
The scholarship fund will support students pursuing education and training in motorcycle and automotive mechanics—trades that Van Hooser valued deeply and lived by. “The community outreach has amazed us,” Jessica continued. “Following in Curt’s footsteps of kindness and generosity, a family friend asked to establish a memorial scholarship fund in Curt’s honor, with intent to donate to students who are studying motorcycle and automotive mechanics.”
She added, “He loved everyone and always gave to others. Now we’re asking the community to help us honor him the way he deserves.”
The family invites the public to help continue Curt Van Hooser’s legacy by contributing to the scholarship effort. To donate, visit the official GoFundMe at:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/honor-curt-van-hooser-support-his-memorial
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