Sharon Elizabeth Hoy

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Sharon Elizabeth Hoy who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Sharon was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Sharon knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Sharon was born on October 5, 1951 at Fredricton General Hospital in Fredricton, New Brunswick. Her parents were Stephen and Joan Carpenter. Sharon was raised in Fredricton, New Brunswick, Edmonton, Alberta, and Chilliwack, British Columbia. Even as a youngster, Sharon learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Sharon was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Sharon was raised with two sisters. She had two younger sisters Bernice and Angela. Sharon had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Sharon, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

Sharon's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Sharon enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Sharon took part in basketball and track. She was a Brownie. In her spare time she liked swimming. Sharon's memorable achievements included best student grade 5.

In school, Sharon was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Sharon was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Sharon’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Chilliwack Senior High School in 1969. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was physical education. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Wakely.

Sharon was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Sharon was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Sharon came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Joanne DeLong, Shiela Cope. Later in life, she became friends with Jack Hoy, Terri Damon, Gwen Pitch, Mary and Brian Reister, Laura and Paul Johnson, Mark and Sandi Hutchinson, Mel and Christine Torgerson, Sherry Tinsley, Brian Bobke, Bob and Lorna Griffin, Don and Sue Beeson,and so many more.

An objective and conscientious individual, Sharon reveled in the security of her family. On June 26, 1971 Sharon exchanged wedding vows with John Richard Hoy at the St. John's Anglican church of Chilliwack, British Columbia. One of Sharon’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Sharon was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Sharon would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Sharon was blessed with two children, Corey, Chelsea Hoy. They were also blessed with four grandchildren Harmony, Hayden,Nathan, Elliot.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Sharon was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Sharon was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Sharon upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was loans and mortgages, bookkeeper. She was employed for 20 years at CIBC. Bookkeeper for Adventure Management 17 years. Sharon was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Sharon approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were scrapbooking, curling, travelling, keeping Jack in line, stain glass, gardening, camping, wine and beer making. Sharon was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Sharon to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. In high school, Sharon played basketball and track. Recreational sports included curling. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were curling, basketball, football, hockey.

Being generous with her time and energy, Sharon liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. In high school, Sharon was a member of the track and basketball. Throughout her later years, Sharon was an active member of the Valemount lioness club, curling club, legion.

A civic-minded person, Sharon was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Sharon was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the lioness secretary, treasurer, legion director. During these years, Sharon applied her analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to Sharon. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member of the Anglican United Church.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Sharon could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to her by those she helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Sharon; rather, when she saw that there was a need to get something done, she was more than willing to give her time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of her most prestigious awards included 25 years member award, 100 percent award for lioness.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Sharon used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Sharon had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Osoyoos, Disneyland with her children, Costa Rica, Cancun, Mexico City, British Columbia vacation with children, Prince Rupert, fishing trips.

Sharon was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Sharon’s favorites was Dogs. Max, Rosco, Keito, jb, chacho, brandy, and gaby, CC. They were best friends for Forever. Her family was rounded out by her fish.

Sharon passed away on February 10, 2015 at Kelowna General Hospital. She is survived by her husband Jack. Children Corey and Chelsea. Grandchildren Harmony, Hayden, Nathan, Elliot. Great grandchildren Jason and Ryan. Services were held at Valemount Community Hall. Sharon was laid to rest at Berg Lake, Mount Robson.

All who knew her would agree that Sharon was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Sharon Elizabeth Hoy did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.