Thomas Walter Hoyle

At an early age, Dad was taken away from his indigenous family. He taught himself how to live a difficult life with bravery, a quick mind and wit and with the most optimistic outlook that lasted his entire life.

He moved to Vancouver and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy in November of 1952. He did three tours of duty which included the South Pacific and Europe aboard the HMCS Ontario. During 1956−1957 he was a Stoker on the HMCS James Bay. He also volunteered for the Naval Reserves. He was transferred to CFB Esquimalt.

He met our mother, Gail, at the Douglas Roller Gardens. It was love at first sight. They married in 1956 and celebrated each and every day saying how much they loved each other every night for 68 years. Theirs was a perfect love.

Dad started in the Dairy Business in 1960 first as a driver for Northwestern Creamery which eventually became Silverwood’s Dairy. He then became a salesman for Palm Dairies and lastly a salesman and manager at Island Farms Dairy. He was arguably the best Salesman in Victoria, who went out of his way for his clients, was hard−working, always smiling, singing and whistling. It seems that whenever we went out with Dad someone would always call out to him. Dad retired from the Dairy Business after 36 years.

Family was everything to Dad and he was so proud to have gifted my sister and I with proud Mohawk ancestry. He was good at everything. He could fix anything. He loved to tinker. He was a gifted storyteller and most loving father and husband. He loved our mother more each and every day. He was a gentle man and a true gentleman. He was a long−standing and dedicated member of CFSEA and the BC Chef’s Association.

He is survived by his loving wife Gail, daughters Cheryl and Deborah, sisters Luvien, Loretta, Myrna and Faith. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, a donation towards Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (canuckplace.org) would be greatly appreciated.

A Celebration Of Life will occur at a later date.