A memorial service was held July 31, 2004, at Kehl's Forest Lawn, Anchorage. A gathering for friends and family was held afterward at Chugach Alaska Corp.
Mike was born May 10, 1959, in Grand Rapids, Mich., to Kenneth N. and Eloise M. (Lockin) Hoyt. Mike moved to Alaska in 1980. He obtained a bachelor of science degree in natural resource management in 1985 and a master of science degree in forest sciences in 1992, both from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He lived and worked in Homer, Fairbanks and Anchorage. He was employed by Tanana Chiefs Conference Inc. from 1989 to 1994, Hedstrom Lumber Co. (Minnesota) from 1994 to 1996, and Chugach Alaska Corp. from 1997 as a lands and resource specialist. He also worked as a commercial fisherman out of Homer and Bristol Bay and held a variety of other jobs in high school and college.
Mike loved the outdoors and adventure, and many tales are told of his wildlife encounters. He hunted, fished and rafted with zest.
His family and friends said, "Mike's last day was spent rafting and fishing for red salmon on the Kenai with some of his closest friends. He enriched the lives of many with his warmth, booming laugh and sense of humor. His passion for the outdoors and learning serves as the foundation for an endowment scholarship fund that has been established in his name. He was a caring and generous person who lived life to its fullest. He touched many and will be greatly missed. They don't come any better."
He is survived by his mother, Eloise Hoyt of Michigan; sisters, Laurie Huffman and family of Oregon and Amy Powers and family of Michigan; brothers, Ken (Duff) Hoyt and family of Homer and Steve Hoyt and family of Montana; former wife, Mara Kimmel of Anchorage; and six nephews and four nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Ken.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be sent to the Michael Hoyt Alaska Forestry Scholarship Fund, c/o Mt. McKinley Bank, 1380 University Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99709.
In accordance with Mike's wishes, an organ donation was made to Life Alaska.
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