Deane Madill (Smoky) Hoover

Deane Madill (Smoky) Hoover, aged 78 years of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, peacefully passed away Friday, September 16th, 2011 with his family by his side.  Smoky was a passionate man, passionate about country, work, service, the Roughriders, and above all, family.  Smoky was predeceased by his parents Howard Hoover and Elva Carryer Barry Hoover, his brothers Eugene, Vince, Howard, Dave, Owen, and Al, and by his sisters Marg, Beatrice, Arlene, and Joce.  He is survived by the love of his life “Doll”, Erna Geib Hoover, and by three children and five grandchildren: Brad and his wife Jan and their children Sarah and Tyson; Derron and his partner Tracy and their children Eli, Jessica, and Ayden, and Cheryl and her husband Dave.  He is also survived by numerous relations from both the Hoover and Geib sides of the family, and by countless friends.  Born in Selkirk, Ontario, Smoky tried out for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but an injury ended his brief football career.  During the Korean War, Smoky volunteered for the Royal Canadian Air Force, and after 23 years became a civilian federal employee until his retirement after nearly 40 years of service to his nation.  Smoky belonged to the Anavets, the Air Force Association and was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion.  Smoky had a sincere dedication to service, exemplified by his involvement in the Legion and his three-year term as a trustee of Providence Place.  Smoky loved being in the company of others; he never failed to try to make others feel comfortable when they were with him.  Smoky was a great role model to his children and his grandchildren, and nowhere showed this as much as in his obvious devotion to his wife Erna, even after 56 years.  A dedication to his life will be held on Thursday, September 22nd, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home, with a Fellowship Luncheon at the Legion to follow.  Padre Doug Shepherd will officiate and legion rites will be conducted by Marty Martell of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #59.  All attendees are considered Honourary Pallbearers.  Erna and family wish to extend a special thanks to the staff at Royal University Hospital and Moose Jaw Union Hospital for their unflagging care.  Flowers are gratefully declined.  Memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Sask., 279 3rd Ave. N., Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8 or to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation (Moose Jaw New Hospital Capital Fund), 455 Fairford St. E., Moose Jaw, SK S6H 1H3 are warmly appreciated.