Estate of Hookom

Gale Hookom, as personal representative of his grandfather Walter Hookom's estate, appeals a superior court order authorizing the sale of the estate's personal property 1 and the major portion of the estate's real property. The order was obtained from the probate court on the motion of Walter's son and Gale's father, Gerald Hookom. We reverse.

Walter and Alta Hookom were husband and wife. Alta died in the late 1970's. By her will, she gave her one-half interest in the community property to Walter for life; upon Walter's death, to their son, Gerald, for life; and upon Gerald's death, to…