Michael Willard Hoyt

Michael Willard Hoyt was born on February 1, 1945. Michael, also known as Mike, was raised in Merced by his parents Bill Hoyt and Evelyn (Babe) Gibson. He was the oldest of the three Hoyt boys. Mike attended McSwain Elementary, Hoover Jr. High and Merced High School where he was known as a prolific golfer among other things. Growing up as an enthusiastic golfer, he won the Merced Golf and Country Club Jr. Championship 3 different years, as well as being MVP for Merced High School. At the young age of 16, he won the Merced County Championship and through the years he won countless other tournaments.

In October of 1965, while stationed at Fort Ord with the US Army, Mike volunteered to be sent to Vietnam; it was a failed effort to shorten his brother Pat’s time there. During this time, Mike served in the Vietnam War as a Combat Medic where he was affiliated with the 12th Field Hospital unit with the 25th Infantry Division. He didn’t share a lot about Vietnam, except that Miss World, Phylis Diller, as well as many other entertainers in the USO circuit were lucky enough to be escorted by Mike Hoyt. In January of 1967, Mike and Pat both received a top GI Award, naming them both as soldiers of the month while serving in Vietnam. After Mike’s two years serving he was honorably discharged and came back to his hometown of Merced.

Upon his return to Merced, he worked for the family business, Nahas Produce. His life changed for the better when he was set up on a blind date with Betty Baker. They married and were eventually blessed with two daughters; Jennifer and Allyson. In 1968 he began his employment at Foster Farms, working on the eviscerating line. In his beginning years at Foster Farms, Mike showed great work ethic where he moved up in positions. He eventually assumed positions as Packaging Department Manager, Manager of Live Production, Director of Chicken Operations and Vice President of Manufacturing Services. His 38 years at Foster Farms were influential in the business and in his own life where he made many of the close friends he still has today. In 2006, Mike took a trip with his family to Vermont. During his trip he came to the conclusion that it was time for him to retire and live out his golden years playing golf and enjoying time with his 6 grandchildren. His retirement from Foster Farms was bittersweet as he had formed so many connections with coworkers. Up until his death, Mike still continued to enjoy many lunches where he would talk business, catch up on family, and simply enjoy time with his friends from Foster Farms.

After retirement, Mike spent his last 16 years enjoying time golfing, gambling, going on lunch dates with his many friends, but most importantly spending time with his grandchildren. Mike did it all when it came to his grandchildren whether it was being their personal taxi drivers, attending sport matches, going on a quick hamburger run, or lounging at his house, sharing their day.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Hoyt and Evelyn Nahas-Gibson, and his brother Pat Hoyt.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Betty, his brother Ron (Shirley) his step-mom Francis, his step-sister, Nancy Mealer (Jere), his daughters’ Jennifer Isakow (Isaac) and Allyson Hall, and his six grandchildren; Jon Conriquez; Savannah, Clayton, and Madeline Hall; and Hannah and Aaron Isakow.

Mike’s smile lit up every room and his exuberant personality and attention to the details of others’ lives made all he knew feel valued and important. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers those who wish can make a donation to Merced County Food Bank, Love, Inc., or a charity of your choice.

Mike Hoyt Memorial Contribution- Merced Food Bank

https://paypal.com/donate/?campaign_id=ZGNN26LFCY39E

https://loveincmerced.com/give.html

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Hoyt family.