We'll miss you, Clyde

Editor's note:

We lost our friend and colleague Clyde Hoey on Friday, January 21st, and we'll miss him a great deal.

Jim Oliver penned this remembrance:

Clyde Hoey, a giant of a man, has passed away. 

He was tall in stature and even taller in the leadership he provided in the community.  Professionally, Clyde was successful in the private sector as a business owner and then in a second career as Executive Director of two local Chambers of Commerce. 

But it was his citizen and community leadership and faith that I most knew and admired.  I served with him on two citizen Boards---the Future of Hampton Roads and the Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement.  Both non-profits are citizen volunteer organizations that attempt to make life better in the region. 

Clyde was always positive, creative and relentless in doing the work of these organizations and accomplishing things.  There were many other community groups in his life, such as the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. He sought no credit and always brought his smile.

Clyde was a delightfully human being.  He loved to talk about his faith and he could tell a good joke.  When he was diagnosed with his fatal condition, he stayed centered and courageous.

He was vice-chairman of HRCCE and I sat next to him Tuesday at our Board meeting.  He looked good, was smiling and accepted a lot of handshakes and hugs.  None of us knew we would lose Clyde three days later.

God bless you, Clyde.

Jim

Clyde's funeral with be Tuesday at 1 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Main Street, in Newport News.

You can sign Clyde's online condolence book by clicking HERE.