Theodore Hoy

Theodore (Ted) Look Hoy, 92, of Cheyenne died peacefully at home on September 12, 2015, in the company of his loving son Jeff and his dedicated caregiver Marilyn Bishop. Ted was born on July 31, 1923, in Denver, CO, the first child of Otis and Edna Fern Hoy. He was raised and educated in Cheyenne, graduating from Cheyenne High School in 1941. He attended the University of Wyoming as an engineering student until 1943 when he joined the Navy V-12 program at Iowa State University; he was commissioned as an Ensign in 1944. During WWII, he served as Assistant Gunnery (Torpedo) Officer aboard a destroyer, USS BARTON (DD-722), participating in the Philippine, Iwo Jima, and Okinawan campaigns. He would have also taken part in the invasion of Japan had the war not ended when it did. Following his release from active duty in 1946, Ted resumed his studies in Laramie on the G.I. Bill and completed a B.S. in Chemistry in 1949. He went on to earn a B.S. in Pharmacy as a member of the Pharmacy School's first graduating class in 1950. Ted married Nina Belle Crews on February 21, 1947. The couple met in high school while performing in musical productions. He was a member of the high school Boys' Glee Club, and she was the piano accompanist. They were extremely devoted partners to each other until her death in November 2012. Although he was accepted to the University of Tennessee Medical School, Ted's plans were put on hold when the Navy recalled him to active duty aboard USS WILLIAM C. LAWE (DD-763) during the Korean War. His final active duty assignment was Executive Officer of USS SNOWDEN (DE-246). During Ted's Korean War service, Nina Belle remained in Laramie working as a nurse for the UW Student Health Service. Ted returned there from the Navy and their son, Jeff, was born in 1953. In 1955, they moved to Cheyenne to start a pharmacy business in the Hoy family restaurant, The Maindiner. This business evolved into Hoy's Drug and Dairy Store, which Ted operated (for a time with his brother Richard) until his retirement in 2002. Hoy's Drug was a revered institution in Cheyenne. Retired UW Pharmacy School Dean John Vandel wrote, "Ted's passing marks the closing of a wonderful era in community pharmacy. An era when service to your community was paramount and expected." Stories of Ted's generosity to customers in need, mentoring and care for his employees, and extensive collaboration with the local medical community abound. Hoy's Drug surpassed the milestone of one million prescriptions filled in 1994. During his long career, Ted received a number of awards, including the Bowl of Hygeia for Outstanding Community Service in Pharmacy by the Wyoming Pharmaceutical Association in 1985, and he was named the Outstanding Alumnus of the UW School of Pharmacy for 2008. In addition, the entire Hoy Family was honored in 2003 by UW as the Wyoming Family of the Year. Ted was an enthusiastic member of the Cheyenne Kiwanis Club for 53 years, where he was honored as a Hixson and Zeller Fellow. He especially enjoyed the annual Kiwanis Clambake, where he was responsible for the famous clam chowder. Always an avid fan of UW athletics, Ted was a loyal member of the UW Cowboy Joe Club. He rarely missed a home football or basketball game. He was also an active supporter of various Navy-related organizations such as the Navy League, the U.S. Naval Institute, and Tin Can Sailors. Ted continued his career as a Navy Reservist after the Korean War, serving at one point as Commanding Officer of the Cheyenne Navy Reserve unit. He retired from the Navy in 1977 with the rank of Commander. So to sum up his life, Ted Hoy was a man of service, to his family, to his community, and to his country. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Nina Belle, and a brother, Richard L. Hoy. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey C. Hoy, and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Willson Hoy, both of Cheyenne; two grandchildren, Christopher L. (Aisling) Hoy of Denver, CO, and Lauren E. Hoy of Washington, DC; a brother, Kenneth L. (Diane) Hoy of Gettysburg, PA; two sisters, Margaret H. Dickman of Laramie, and Amayda H. (Kendall) Johnson of Logan, UT; as well as many nieces and nephews, and their families. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Clara Farquharson, of Cheyenne; and brother-in-law, John Farquharson, of Mullica Hill, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra Foundation, the Cheyenne Kiwanis Foundation, and the UW School of Pharmacy. Cremation has taken place under the auspices of Schrader Funeral Home. At his request, a private family service will be held. There will also be a celebration of his life (open to all) at a future date and place yet to be announced.