Donald D. Hoyt

Donald Douglas Hoyt (Don), age 97, of Portland, Oregon, passed away on August 16, 2023.

Don was the fourth of five children born to John Townsend Hoyt and Eva Marie Burns on May 25, 1926, in Corvallis, Oregon. Don’s older brothers, Townsend, John (Jack), and Robert (Bob), and younger sister, Barbara, preceded Don in death.

As a young child Don’s family moved to northeast Portland. He attended Gregory Heights Elementary School and Grant High School. After graduating from high school in 1944, Don enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned to Company E, 32nd Infantry Regiment of the 7th Division and fought in the battle of Okinawa, receiving a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

After World War II, one of Don’s fondest memories was when he and a friend took an adventurous trip hitch-hiking to Chicago, Illinois to buy Don’s first car.

In 1950, Don graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a business degree. His career path led to positions in finance, real estate, and sales. Don was a manager at Sanderson Safety Supply and worked part-time at the Memorial Coliseum for 50 years.

In 1952, Don married Violet M. Kramer on September 6, 1952, in Portland. They were the proud parents of four children – Neil (Gulf Breeze, Florida), Doug (deceased), Valerie (Portland, Oregon), and Jeff (Livermore, California).

Don loved to work in his yard, but his biggest passions were completing the daily crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and sports.

He also enjoyed riding his bike and white-water rafting. Don was an avid book reader, traveled to jazz festivals, and enjoyed spending time in Hawaii. He loved the company of his pet cats, Wally, and Bogie. His favorite comic strip was Peanuts, and his best-loved character was Snoopy.

Don was a true American hero of the “greatest generation” to serve our country. He will be deeply missed, and his memory will live forever in our hearts.