Franklyn Gordon Henry "Frank" Hoyt – Salmon River. We are very saddened to announce the passing of Frank Hoyt, 84, of Salmon River, Colchester County, on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born on the family farm in Central Onslow, Dad was the eldest son of the late Melnor and Florence (Smith) Hoyt.
After High School, Dad joined Bank of Nova Scotia in 1960, having worked in Halifax, Toronto and Exeter, Ontario from where he resigned in 1967 and moved to Amherst to commence employment with Central Charge. In 1969, he returned to Truro as Manager of Keltic Collections Ltd., a subsidiary of Central Charge. A short time later, he and wife, Joan purchased the businesses and operated it until his retirement in 2002 and sold the business. Dad also operated a small apartment business since 1978.
Dad was a loving Father, Grandfather, Big Grampie, Brother and Uncle and will be greatly missed by his fiancée, Blanche Swinamer and her daughter, Karen Millett; daughters, Judy (Tom) Buchanan, Brookside; Joanne (Trevor) Forbes, Clifton; grandchildren, Arlene Richardson-MacLellan (Lyndon), Tyler McIntyre (Korinne), Kyle Buchanan (Kate), Holly MacKenzie (Kyle), Allison Richardson, Theron Forbes (Emilia), Riley Forbes, Dannan Forbes; great grandchildren, Paisley McIntyre, Miller MacKenzie, Kingsley Buchanan; brothers, Ronnie (Kathy) Hoyt, Onslow; Russell (Sandy) Hoyt, Canning; half sister, Betty Bellefontaine, Charlottetown; sister-in-law, Wendy Gracie (Wynn), Dartmouth; many nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, Frank was predeceased by the love of his life and best friend, Joan (Burrows), having been married for 59 years; daughter, Janet Richardson; siblings, Carol (Wayne) Blois, Doris (Bill) Archibald, Kenny (Weaty) Hoyt.
Dad was a member of Trinity United Church, Upper Onslow, having served on many committees over his lifetime. He had a keen interest in vintage cars and trucks, and of course, red tractors – having restored several over the years. He was an avid tractor puller and was a member of Maritime Tractor Pullers Association, NS Vintage Tractor Club, and competed in stock tractor pulling in NS, PEI and NB from 1985 to 2013. He was a member of Golden Age Auto Club for many years. Frank cherished his old cars, especially the ’64 Mercury Maurder having purchased the car in 1981, restored it and driving the car since 1982. He was a member of Good Time Senior Dance Club as he and Mom loved to dance; Dad received his 25 year pin on June 16, 2026 and was very proud.
Dad and Mom loved to travel and enjoyed many trips south either by themselves, with friends or with a tour group. They enjoyed camping with family and friends, having started in a "pop up" tent trailer since 1969 and graduated to a 5th Wheel. They traveled from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Alaska and many campgrounds over the years. Having camped for over 50 years, lots of wonderful cherished memories were created.
Family time was very important to Dad. He enjoyed family gatherings, especially at Christmas time, the annual Chinese family dinner and summer at the campgrounds. Dad was so happy to have found love again, and he found that with Blanche. They had a very special love and enjoyed going to the senior dances, drives or just sitting and listening to music.
Special thanks to Dr. Phillips, Dr. Sushil Sharma, Dr. Yazen Ghanem, VON, Nurses on D-Wing, Palliative Care and long-time friend, Bill Spinney.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Frank’s family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Monday, July 6, 2026. Funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Trinity United Church, 415 Onslow Road, Upper Onslow, Reverend Glenn MacLean officiating. Reception will follow. Private family interment in Fisher Creek Cemetery, Riverside Road, Greens Creek. No flowers by request. If so desired, donations in Frank’s memory to Lung Association of Nova Scotia, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Crohn’s and Colitis Society or Trinity United Church are welcomed.
Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Dad loved life and will be forever in our hearts. We love you very much