Posted Aug 4, 2020 | 3:22 PM
Passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Sunday, August 2, 2020, at Chapman House – Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce. Born in Victoria Harbour, Ontario, on July 4, 1936, John William Hoyt of Owen Sound, was in his 85th year.
Beloved husband of Janet Hoyt (née McEachran) for 25 years. Loving father of Cathy Bailey (Jim) of Owen Sound, Janice Chevarie (Ron) of Campbellville, David Hoyt (Laila) of Brampton, and stepfather of Neal Rourke (Rose) of Desboro, Jenny Robinson (Robbie) of Oliphant, Kara McCluskie (Brian) of Owen Sound and the late Andrew Rourke (Lisa). Cherished Grandpa of Jason Hunter, Michael Hoyt (Melissa), Caily Robins (Edward), Sarah Hunter, Daniel Hoyt (Ariel), Brodie Robins, Mackenzie Hunter (Patty) and Diana Hoyt. John will also be missed by four great-grandchildren, 18 step-grandchildren, 13 step-great-grandchildren, his niece Jean Thompson (Roger), and by his nephews Jack Wright (Christine) and David Clarke (Sandy).
Predeceased by his first wife Diane Hoyt (née Smale), parents Charles and Lillian Hoyt, his sisters Pauline Wright and Norma Clarke, brother Harrison Hoyt, and by his step-grandson Brendan Rourke.
John was a proud graduate of Western University and a highly-respected high school teacher at O.S.C.V.I. from 1959 to 1993. He also taught high school at Boston Grammar School in Boston, England, and Neuchatel Junior College in Switzerland. He and his first wife, Diane, took their three children on many adventures throughout North America and Europe, traveling by van and trailer.
John married Janet Rourke on April 15, 1995. God blessed them with 25 very special years together.
At home in Owen Sound, John’s life was full with a variety of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and a summer market-gardening business. John’s indoor passion was woodworking and furniture-making and he produced many fine pieces for family and friends over the years.
John also left a lasting legacy at Shallow Lake Community Church. A dependable encourager, John provided his support and expertise in many ways from maintenance to communion. He was a bright light in the church family, who will be truly missed and fondly remembered.
A funeral service to celebrate John’s life will be held at Shallow Lake Community Church, 719130 Hwy 6, Shallow Lake, ON N0H 2K0, on Thursday, August 6, 2020, at 2 p.m., with visitation one-hour prior. Due to COVID-19 restrictions there will be limited seating available and guests are asked to wear a mask and follow physical distancing rules. The service can be viewed via livestream by selecting the ‘LIVE STREAMING’ menu option at the top right corner of the funeral home website (woodfuneralhome.ca). Interment will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Georgian Bluffs. Arrangements are entrusted to the Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, Owen Sound (519-376-7492).
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Oncology Department of the Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation, Chapman House – Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce, or to Teen Challenge Canada would be appreciated and can be made by contacting the funeral home. Online donations and condolences can be sent by visiting John’s memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca