Hoyt, Robert (Dows), a long-time resident of Orange County, passed away peacefully in his home on September 23, 2011 in the company of his loving family.
Bob was born in Avalon, Catalina Island, on August 14, 1926, where his father Jack Dows was employed by the Wrigley Corporation. Later, the family moved to the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles, and Bob graduated from Marshall High School in 1944.
In 1944, at the age of seventeen, Bob joined the U.S. Navy, where he served two years. After his discharge he earned an Associate of Arts degree from Santa Ana College, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in business from Fresno State University. Considered by many in the business world to be one of Santa Ana College's most successful alumni, Bob also enjoyed a successful career as a quarterback for the Santa Ana College Dons during 1946-1947. He continued his football career for the Fresno State Bulldogs, earning First American 2-2-2 mention in The Sporting News Little All-American list during his 1948-49 season with the team.
In 1950, Bob began his career with First American Title Company, currently known as First American Financial Corporation, where he worked in the plant and escrow departments before transferring to sales in 1955. Four years later he was appointed assistant vice president and director of sales for the Orange County division, and in 1964 he was promoted to vice president. In 1970, he was transferred to national accounts where he coordinated sales efforts, and continued to serve as vice president until his retirement in 1997. Bob represented First American at various functions throughout the U. S., and contributed to numerous civic and professional organizations through his involvement as a board member.
Bob's past community and professional activities include the California Mortgage Bankers Association, ALTA, MBA, Pat McCormick Educational Foundation, and the Chapman University Athletic Foundation. Additionally, Bob served as President of the Southern California Mortgage Bankers Association, President of the National Football Foundation, President of the Santa Ana College Foundation, and President of the Orange County Sports Celebrities. He served on the Orange County Sports Association Board of Directors, Santa Ana Junior Chamber of Commerce, and was Chairman of the Orange County Heart Association. He was Chairman of the 1956 U.S. Olympic committee, which brought the track team to Santa Ana College for the team's last meet before the Australian Olympics. In 1979, Bob received the Alumni Achievement Award from Santa Ana College. As president of the Orange County Sports Association in 1992, he was honored by the Orange County Sports Hall of Fame, where he received the Ralph Clark Distinguished Citizen Award.
In 1950, Bob married Dorothy, his college sweetheart. In addition to Dorothy, his wife of 61 years, Bob is survived by his three sons, Howard (Tamara) Hoyt of Park City, Utah, Robert (Ann) Hoyt, of Santa Ana, California, and John (Rosalina) Hoyt, of Irvine, California, along with 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Services will be private.
A hero in the eyes of his family, Bob will be remembered for his contagious enthusiasm, his kind thoughtfulness, and his loyal and generous spirit. His family meant the world to him.
Rest in peace, "Robert," "Dad," "Grandpa Bob". We are grateful to have known you and will hold you in our hearts forever.
