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Norris Hoyt Obituary
Hoyt died Sunday at his home in Norwich. The cause of death was not released.
Hoyt was educated in Massachusetts, and came to Vermont in 1969 to serve as deputy tax commissioner in the administration of Republican Gov. Deane Davis.
"As legal counsel to the governor, tax commissioner and commissioner of liquor control over his many years in state government, Norrie relied on humor and common sense to fix problems. He could give you bad news, and you'd walk away smiling," said Gov. Peter Shumlin.
Hoyt then served as legal counsel to Democratic Gov. Thomas Salmon in 1973 and 1974. He then ran for the Legislature from Norwich, serving as a Democrat in the House from 1975-1983. Hoyt was chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
In 1983 he returned to the Tax Department as deputy commissioner and then served as tax commissioner 1985-1991.
In 1992 Hoyt became commissioner of liquor control, overseeing the state's liquor sales monopoly. He held that position until 1998 when he retired from public life.
He is survived by his wife Kathy Hoyt, who also served in Vermont state government, and two sons.
A celebration of Hoyt's life will be held at his home in Norwich on Sept. 14, 2013.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
24 Entries
September 9, 2013
Am coming to wake... what time is good...I shall miss him dearly on Facebook!
Sally Giddings Smith
Sally Young
August 17, 2013
Kathy, Just learned of Norrie's death at our favorite spot in Norwich. Both Bill and I were so sorry to hear the news. My last visit with him there was such a treat. You're in our thoughts.
Jack Crowl
August 13, 2013
Kathy -- So sorry to learn belatedly of Norrie's death. Your loss, I know, is great -- and so is Vermont's. We'll all laugh a bit less with his absence.
How you can show support
Robin Turnau
August 13, 2013
Dear Kathy -
I am so sorry to hear of Norrie's passing. It was a pleasure to get to know Norrie during his time on the VPR Board of Directors, and then to have you serve in the same capacity in more recent years. My thoughts are with you.
August 12, 2013
Kathy -
So sorry to hear about Norrie. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sarah Carpenter
August 10, 2013
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of Norrie's passing. He was such a wonderful man. So many great memories from "back in the day". Please know that Bruce and I are thinking of you and your family - sending lots of love and prayers.
August 10, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of your loss may the God all comfort b with your family at this time 2corth 1:3,4
August 10, 2013
May you draw strength from Gods word the bible at Isa.41;9,10,13.
G. Freeman
August 10, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
August 10, 2013
May you find great comfort in your happy memories of your loved one until you are reunited.
Brian Searles
August 10, 2013
Dear Kathy- Elizabeth and I want you to know that we are thinking of you and your family during this tough time. Along with being a terrific guy, Norrie was the consummate public servant and accomplished so much to the great benefit of so many.
Reed
August 10, 2013
I am sorry to read about the passing of your love one. May God spirit empower your family with strength and courage as you face the coming days God bless you.
Ed
August 10, 2013
To Kathy and all of Mr. Norris' family and friends,
Please find peace in prayer. God cares and will give you comfort. 1 Peter 5:6, 7
John Zampieri
August 9, 2013
Kathy & family..I was so sorry to hear about Norrie...he was a true Gentleman...and wonderful to work with in the Vt. House and in the Administration of Gov. Kunin. Vermont is a much better place for us all because of his vision and efforts. God Bless...
Bible Student
August 9, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Karen Caldwell
August 9, 2013
It was with deep regret that I learned of the passing of Norris Hoyt I realize that the death of a friend and family member is an irreparable loss to you. Those we love left us with gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away. They gave us wisdom that we can still recall, companionship when we were alone, comfort when we needed it.
May the tender mercy that God has always shown me be with your family now so that you will know that you are not alone, and may the prayers of other help in some small way to bring you strength, comfort and courage each day.
Many words will be expressed, yet we know God can express and provide to you and your family everything that is needed to care and sustain your hearts. Isaiah 46:1, but since the loss to you is most direct and personal. I wanted to send you these words of sincere sympathy upon the death of a loyal friend and trusted family member. My prayers will be with you and your family.
Ronald Allbee
August 9, 2013
Kathy and family.....Norrie was a true gentleman and human and treated all with humility. I have fond memories of working with him on current use tax issues and other legislative issues. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
James Willner
August 9, 2013
May the eternal light shine upon him.....
John Nicholls
August 9, 2013
Kathy,
Sorry to hear of Norrie's passing. I had the privilege to work with him when he was Deputy Tax Commissioner. He was a pure joy to work with and had a brilliant mind as his legacy attests.
August 9, 2013
Norrie, made my experiences at the Vt.Liquor Dept. more enjoyable. It was always great to have a visit with Norrie.
Condolences,
Walter Baumann
Bill Frattini
August 9, 2013
I remember Norrie taking a sincere interest in the Vermont bar exam problems of 1980-1981 and the kind note I received from him upon being admitted. Truly a thoughtful and caring individual.
Mike Bernhardt
August 9, 2013
Kathy a shining star has fallen, my sincerest condolences and wishes to you and your family.
Barb Grimes
August 9, 2013
Dear Kathy:
Sorry to read of Norrie's passing. Thinking of you.
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