Donald G. Hoyt, Sr.

Donald Gene Hoyt (Sr.) was born August 22, 1942 in Olympia, Washington. His parents were Anton A. and Opal June (Hoyt) Larson, so Don's first last name was Larson. At the age of 3, his mother died and his father separated from the family, so Don and his sister and brother lived with their maternal grandmother until his mother's brother and wife adopted him in 1946. He then became the son of Criss and Phyllis (Pitman) Hoyt, who had 3 daughters ~ Jacquelyn, Beverly, and Janet. Criss died when Don was 6, so the rest of his childhood was basically spent with Phyllis' extended family, which he was connected with the rest of his life. He did keep in touch with family members on the Hoyt side also, and associated with them through the years.

Don was active in the Boy Scouts through most of his school years. One highlight of his life was as a teenager, a train trip with his scout troop to a jamboree at Valley Forge. He graduated from Olympia High School in 1959, and joined the Army National Guard, as well as began his college education. He graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in math in 1962. He was drafted by the regular Army the same year, and spent most of his time in Germany, mostly as a truck driver delivering supplies all over Europe. He enjoyed the adventure of traveling to new and interesting places. After being discharged, he went back to college at Washington State and earned a second degree in business administration.

Don's working career has spanned a wide variety of jobs, including office and managerial, construction, mechanics, truck driver, and real estate.

Previously married, Don had 4 children; Karyn, Diana, Don Jr., and Criss. Karyn's boys are Joshua, Aaron, and Caleb; grandchildren Jonathan, Lorelai, Simon, and Georgia. Diana's boys are Brandon, Kyle, and Nicholas; grandchildren Jeffrey and Keegan. Don Jr's children are Kento, Franklin, Jasmine (deceased), and Ethan. Another highlight of Don's life was a reunion of all his children and their spouses and children (except 2 that weren't born yet), and even a few other extended family members. Criss died 7 years after that reunion at the age of 31.

Don married Lynda Rae Nelson in 1984. They have lived in the Denver area since then, and enjoyed many activities together. Traveling would be number one. Lyn had already been in all 50 states, and Don in 48, so Lyn had to take Don to his last 2, Alaska and Hawaii (3 times there). They went to family reunions and other visits with family and friends. They took many other trips, all over the U.S., to National Parks, and other interesting places, usually in their motor home. They took several cruises. They attended annual reunions with Lyn's high school friends, in Denver and other states.

Other shared interests were dancing, especially square dancing (where they met), country western music, swimming and water sports, and hiking and camping. Don was always into cars and racing and most other vehicles, and enjoyed card and number games. He also was always proud of being a Veteran.

Don's last 5 years were spent at RiverPointe Independent Senior Living. He was in hospice (at home) the last 15 months, and died peacefully at home from emphysema and heart problems, at the age of 83.

Memorial gifts may be made to Bloom Healthcare and Hospice,

12600 W. Colfax Ave, B-200, Lakewood, CO 80215.