John Arthur Hoyt

Loving husband, father, son, brother and true companion, John Arthur Hoyt passed away on February 6, 2016. He was surrounded by his loving family and close friends. Born in Halifax, NS, John was the son of Norma (Slaunwhite) Hoyt and the late Clifford Hoyt. He is fondly remembered by his extended family, many nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends throughout his community.

John and his wife Paula (Young) Hoyt shared their life journey for 33 loving years. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary amongst family and friends this past September on the shores of the lake they called home and loved so much.

John’s true legacy has been realized through the fine young men his boys Thomas and Luke have grown to be. His spirit will continue to live on through the values he passed on to them. Values about being an authentic human being, a gentle and caring soul and a lover of nature. John, Paula and the boys spent many happy hours in the canoe exploring the back country of Keji, instilling an early love of nature and outdoor activity and making enough memories to last a lifetime.

John was blessed with the gift of leisurely conversation. His eternal optimism was addictive and he was proud to have deep and meaningful friendships that had lasted him a lifetime and spanned across his many interests. He touched the lives of many with his kindness and warmth and genuine sincerity. Growing up in a large family, John was the eternal peacemaker, always trying to find the good in every situation, always looking for a way to make things right. This skill served him well in both his personal and professional life. After attending J.L. Ilsley High School and St. Mary’s University, he attained his CA in 1991 and began his professional career in Sydney, NS, with Doane Raymond, Chartered Accountants. John spent 24 years as a chartered accountant, 20 of these years working alongside his family with the Hoyt’s Group of Companies. In August 2013, John moved to IMP Aerospace Division as Director of Finance, where he found great satisfaction working with his colleagues in this new industry.

In addition to the importance of family, John believed the value of ‘community’, in every sense of the word. He was deeply respected throughout his neighbourhood and was considered one of the ‘founding fathers’. He served as both treasurer and chair of his homeowner’s association and he was instrumental in the clean-up of the Five Island Lake Chain. He was an active volunteer with the Timberlea Titans Football Association and part of the Sir John A Football Family.

John had many other interests but was a particularly enthusiastic cyclist. He loved nothing more than to explore the trails and backroads of Nova Scotia on his bike alongside Paula and the boys. He also loved the solitude of his beloved Lakehouse and the peace it brought him and his family. John was one of the ‘good ones’ and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

John is also survived by his mother Norma, brothers Randall (Tammy), Leonard (Judy), and Michael (Heather), and sister Suzanne Budreski (Peter).

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 14 from 12-4 p.m. at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., and a service will be held at Hope United, 3055 Connaught Ave., at 1pm, on Monday, February 15th with reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made by sponsoring Team Hoyt at Get Up There (www.getupthere.ca) an annual event to create awareness and raise funds to fight colorectal cancer.

Condolences, words of comfort, and memories of John may be shared with the family at: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com