THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 23, 1997 TAG: 9702230169
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: 70 lines
Harold C. ``Hap'' Hoy, 73, a Norfolk businessman praised for his extensive support of non-profit organizations and Norfolk's First Citizen for 1995, died Saturday.
The construction company Hoy founded has built more than 300 church facilities - the first was Talbot Park Baptist Church - and a number of downtown Norfolk buildings, including the offices that now house the national headquarters of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
But perhaps one of his most appreciated contributions is the one that has brought a smile to thousands of children's faces: Kids Cove at Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach. Hoy was co-chairman for construction of the play facility.
Hoy devoted much time and effort to youth causes and groups.
``We as adults need to do as much as we can to support the children, to keep them on the right track,'' Hoy said in an interview a year ago. ``They are our asset for the future, and we shouldn't throw that away.''
Hoy was selected First Citizen because of ``his long-term dedication to the community,'' said C. Gerald Harris, the selection committee chairman, in announcing the award.
The award is presented by the Cosmopolitan Club of Norfolk. Recipients are named by a committee of community leaders.
Hoy won the award ``primarily because of his unselfish service in the community. He has contributed to youth, the arts, education and the church,'' Harris said.
Hoy's nickname was a gift from his father.
While a boy on a farm in Franklin County, he was so good-natured that his father called him Hap for the comic strip's Happy Hooligan, who wore a perpetual smile.
Hoy began his career in the general office of Norfolk & Western in Roanoke, where he worked for one year before World War II. He was drafted and served in the Army Air Corps for three years as a pilot.
Hoy was recalled to active duty during the Korean War, serving in the Air Force. He flew photo reconnaissance missions in 1951 and completed 100 missions.
He remained in the Air Force Reserve until 1972, and retired from service in 1983.
In his civilian life, Hoy began a half-century contracting career in 1946 when he joined his uncle, L.J. Hoy, in founding Hoy Construction in Norfolk. He became president in 1970.
Hoy worked in the community until the day he died. He was serving on the Senior Advisory board of First Virginia Bank of Tidewater and active with Junior Achievement of Hampton Roads, the State Advisory Board of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund and the CANDII Program for children with AIDS.
He was past president of the Tidewater Council of the Boy Scouts of America, a former president of the Tidewater Builder's and Contractor's Exchange, a member and past president of the Norfolk Cosmopolitan Club, member and former director of the Norfolk Sports Club, former board member of The Virginia Symphony, former director of the Virginia Foundation for Architecture, former director of the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation, member and former director of Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club, a member of the Princess Anne Country Club, the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, the Kingsmill Golf Club and the Harbor Club, as well as a founding member of the Bayville Golf Club.
A resident of the Wards Corner area of Norfolk for more than 25 years, Hoy and his wife, Nancy, had been living in Birdneck Point in Virginia Beach, where he died Saturday. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Harold C. Hoy
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KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY