Obituary of Bryce Harry Hoover

Late on the morning of 19 September 2020 at around 1120 hours, Dad was taken home by the Lord. He was surrounded by family and a wonderful hospice care nurse who helped us say farewell to the patriarch of the Hoover clan.

 

   Dad was a second generation submariner in the United States Navy submarine force. He served for many decades. He and his fellow shipmates went on many combat patrols during the Cold War.

   When one of them passes on, it is tradition that they are considered to be on eternal patrol.

   Dad loved the ocean. He loved the Navy. He loved every moment of service to our country. He loved his family, wife, and kids. We remember many funny, sentimental, and teaching moments from Dad. He loved the holidays, cooking, napping with our pets, and spending time with family. Though he was one of those tough sailors he loved hugs and kisses. We were a military family for the entirety of his naval career. It was exciting hard work but we have many memories of those times together. 

   Something very special that God gave to us through Dad was an appreciation of the simple things. For instance how he loved Mom. He loved to cook & bake for us. Huge fluffy bread rolls, meat loaf & mashed potatoes, pancakes & eggs, shepherd's pie, mac & cheese with hotdogs, homemade deep dish pizza, tater tots, chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, and many many others. No matter how hard of a season of life we are going through, we can always make any of these simple dishes, relax, smile, and for that moment, forget about the storms. When we remember Dad or we are thinking of him, we can always eat those things in his honor.

   We grew up in a household where science fiction was commonplace. Dad would always say submarines were pretty close to starships. Star Trek was one of his favorite shows. We would watch episodes together and he would comment about how the layout of the bridge looked like it had been inspired by submarine bridges. His Navy service immersed him in a world of science, technology, mission, and honor at a high standard in the various submarine commands he served in. He would smile at the thought of knowing he was sailing into a vast frontier of mission and exploration.

 

   Us kids loved riding on his shoulders, holding onto his legs as he hefted us around the house (all the while giggling), and we would always wonder where the fuzzy lint came from that magically appeared in his belly button. Dad loved being a Family man and he demonstrated that in many ways. We watched how he loved and treated Mom. We now carry with us many great lessons about how to conduct ourselves, how to love our Mom, & care for one another. Life lessons such as compassion, laughter, accepting hardship, learning, running after our dreams, and much much more.   

   He was once crowned “Oh Great One'' by his family. Mind you this occurred while his greatness sat upon the great white throne of bath & room. Tickle monsters chased us when we were little. Friday night pizza & video nights abounded throughout our lives. B movie nights! Kung Fu theater, Godzilla, and 80’s action movies anytime we got the chance. He was always faithful to take us to church, teach us life lessons, study the Bible, pray with us, and answer any questions we had. He loved all of us.  

 

   Growing up He and the men he served with were larger than life heroes who secretly and humbly deployed to defend the United States in the frontlines of a cold war involving nuclear weapons. They knew and accepted the risks of the mission that required keeping the peace through deterrence.

   Military families accepted the importance. We accepted not knowing when they would deploy or if and when they would come back.

  These warfighters were a special breed of sailor. They didn’t seek recognition. They didn’t need it. They preferred it that way.

 

 

   We love you Dad. You are our hero. You are our Dad. You are part of a very long family history of first born sons who have served our great country in the United States Navy. You did your part for God, Country, & Honor. 

   We rejoice that you are no longer in pain but restored. That you are reunited with family and friends in Heaven. You no longer have to fight the war Dad. You are finally at peace. Rest well warrior in the arms of our Savior Jesus.

   Raised drink in remembrance. Smart salute in honor. Until our fleets reunite on the other side of eternity.

 

 

Fare winds and following seas shipmate.

Senior Chief Petty Officer

Bryce H Hoover

On Eternal Patrol

 

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