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David Hoover Obituary
Dr. Hoover was born March 12, 1940 in Connellsville, Pa. to David H. and Helen Robertson Hoover. He was a 1957 graduate of Greensburg (Pa.) High School, received an Associate, Bachelors and Master's Degree from The University of Akron and a PhD from Union Institute.
He was a volunteer firefighter before becoming a career firefighter, paramedic and assistant chief.
Dr. Hoover was professor emeritus at The University of Akron. Before his retirement in 2005, he taught fire protection and emergency management and was co-director of the Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security Policy Research. He was the co-author of several books. He had recently served as Director of Disaster Readiness for the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus.
He was a member of the First Christian Church in Washington C.H. and attended the Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Washington C.H.
Dr. Hoover was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, the former Marsha K. Jenks whom he married June 14, 1974; three sons, David W. Hoover of Concord, Calif., Jeffrey L. Hoover of Honolulu, Hawaii and Seth Hoover and his wife, Melissa, of Locust Grove, Ga.; four granddaughters, Alexandria, Sarah, Gabriella and Moriah Hoover; and a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and William Lowe of Boca Raton, Fla.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the backyard at the Hoover residence with Todd Maurer officiating. The family suggests casual attire. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. David H. Hoover Scholarship Fund, c/o of The University of Akron Foundation, Akron, Ohio 44325-2603. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington C.H. www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome. com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Hoover
Tim Andreotti
April 26, 2011
Doc Hoover was one of the best human beings I ever had the honor to know. I learned a great deal from him and will carry those lessons with me for the rest of my life. "When a man leaves this earth, he is judged not by what he had, but by what he had done for others". May God bless and keep you Doc. I look forward to seeing you again when my day comes.
Burt Clark
November 9, 2010
Dave,
I just learned of you passing. You will live on though your students, friends, and loved ones. It was an honor and privilege to take some steps through life with you. Vaya con diso.
Burt Clark
Michael Farley
September 1, 2010
Doc was one of the best men I ever met. His passion for people and life is unmatched. The gate of heaven opened wide to him and called to him "good job, welcome now is your reward!"
I am a better man for having known him. I miss him and will always remember him.
Mark Casalinova
August 23, 2010
Dave was a very special person in my life. He came to my house when I quit school and took me back to class. He is a big part of my success. I am so thankful for our last lunch together and his words to me. The greatest thing about Doc is he made every student feel like they were the most important.
Thank you Hoover Family for sharing him with us.
Mark Casalinova
ERIC SCHWEITZER
August 23, 2010
I was fortunate to have Doc as my mentor and friend during my last four years a student at the University of Akron. I worked under him as a graduate assistant while pursuing my Masters degree in Public Administration. I taught a couple courses with him including Fire Investigation Methods. I will always remember one Saturday morning in October when we went to Mary Ann's Donuts on Portage Ave in North Canton. After that, we were meeting students in Akron for some car burns. That afternoon, my alma mater, Canton McKinley, would play Massillon in the annual McKinley-Massillon game. At Mary Ann's, Doc told me to choose a donut which would be mine and only mine... he called it my "McKinley Donut" and said to tell everyone to not touch it when I opened the box. It's little things as such that I will always remember Dr. David H. Hoover by. Thank you for helping me... you will always be missed! God Bless & love you!
Eric Shawn Schweitzer
marsha hoover
August 19, 2010
To all who have written in this guest book. David and I were married for 36 wonderful years. As I read how he encouraged so many of you to further your educations, and to become the best you could be and of course to "THINK", he did these things for his family as well. He was my friend, mentor, lover and father of our children. He encouraged me to complete my education and he motivated me to be the best at whatever I wanted to do. I will miss his tender smile and the laughs that we have shared for so many years.
Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Marsha Hoover
August 18, 2010
Hi Marsha & Seth: I wanted you to know how much both Mac and I loved you both and Dave. Of course Mac is ggone (as of July 8, 2004) but I know he would want me to express my sympathies to you guys! Y:ou canreach me at [email protected] if you'd like.
Pam
August 17, 2010
I was one of the few, I entered the Emergency Management program after receiving a degree in Health and Safety. That is where I met Dr. Hoover. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in class waiting for you to being that day’s lesson. You always had a smile, story, and jovial attitude for us. But you never downplayed the importance of what we were learning. Thru the years; you inspired, molded, and pushed and a great many of our young minds. We now employ your teachings, stories, attitude, and passion in preserving the lives of others. Now, we are scattered around the country and in may different occupations. No matter our career path, you gave us the knowledge we needed to succeed and the confidence to go forth and do good. You will probably never know how many lives you helped save or how many lives you touched. With all the young minds you inspired, a part of you will live on forever. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten. God Bless.
Hope and Troy
August 17, 2010
To the Hoover family and friends,
Our deepest condolences for your loss. He will be sorely missed!
Joseph Bailey
August 14, 2010
Dave was a new friend of mine. I only knew him for five days at the mission trip in march 2010 that we went on with Ginghamsburg church. Even though I did not have much time spent with Dave, he was truly a friend. I was really looking forward to seeing him on the mission trip in November, I will miss him very much.
GOD BLESS
WITH SYMPATHY
JOE BAILEY
[email protected]
John/Marilyn Snyder
August 14, 2010
To the Hoover family:
We were honored to share the dock next to you for 10 years. You both were so helpful to us when we came to Foxhaven Marina. We remember the day we first docked the boat and you said "throw a line" and I did but it wasn't attached to the boat. Dave was a true gentleman and an incredibly nice man. We are so sorry for your loss. We were very fortunate to have docked next to you both for so many years. Our sincere sympathy.
John and Marilyn Snyder
Phoenix, Arizona
On behalf of many UA Grads
August 14, 2010
The watershed moment, where grief turned to peace, occurred early yesterday (Thursday) morning. As my family slept comfortably; I realized that long work weeks and time away from them pale in comparison to the accomplishments and lifetimes lived by one David Harold Hoover. He’s not only in a better place now, but like always, ahead of us and ahead of his time.
Tireless devotion to the professions of emergency management and the fire service; yet in reality the tireless devotion was to people. Whether they were early morning meetings at Jack Horner’s or devoting time to the endless requests for speaking or leading committees; his service to humanity was surely immense.
When he met with you, he listened. Whether for a boost in confidence, some advice, a good laugh, or a kick in the pants heart to heart; his genuine interest in people always inspired and motivated you to be the best.
His drive and passion for success and the success he wanted to see in those around him, motivated so many to be, just like him. Always pushing and never taking the status quo as the answer, the trails he blazed have helped and continue to help many.
There’s not too many who can say they’ve helped to accredit college degree- granting programs, let alone create them. And the name Hoover will always be synonymous with The Fire Protection and Emergency Management Programs.
No he didn’t do it all alone…God, family, friends, peers, co-workers, mentors and faith.
Also, this self- professed news junkie and owner of some four degrees was fascinated with learning all throughout life. Everyone needs help along the way and his ability to utilize the strengths of those he learned from gave us the great mentor, educator, motivator, tactician, politician, and influential leader that he was.
Just realized that we forgot to talk about his other attributes and endeavors; those of an author, educator, program director, consultant, assistant chief, firefighter/medic, husband, father, family man, grandfather, Christian and friend. More time and paper is needed though; need we say more about lifetimes led?
Cerebral and always entertaining, you knew when he was around; the atmosphere would lighten and you never wanted him to leave. You felt better about the world, life and your own purpose in it. Great minds tend to lift the spirits of all and yes a great person he was.
This jumbled description of thoughts is far too short, merely scratching the surface and barely provides a glimpse of the past 19 years. One cannot quantify and qualify the lifetime of success and happiness he brought to all in just one sitting. The rich memories will play out in our minds throughout our lives.
Above all he made it look easy, like we could all do it; all in just 70 short years. How many times did we think and say, “I want your job. Or keep your seat warm for me Doc?” What we were really saying was, “we want to be more like you. Mostly our foolish pride just prevents us from admitting this.
The world was a better place with him in it and yes this loss still does hurt at times.
But knowing he is in that better place, inspires us to better ourselves, the lives of others and someday we’ll hopefully catch up to you again. We’ll know where to find you because of your ability to find us and the best in us. Until then thank you for the blessings and moments we shared here on earth.
Through wisdom is a house built: and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge shall every room be filled with precious and pleasant riches. PROVERBS 24:3
We are all the wiser in life because of the wisdom and the multitude of accomplishments all in one lifetime, that of one David Harold Hoover. Thanks Doc!
Bryan K
August 13, 2010
Dr. Hoover was a great mentor to me during my time in the emergency management program. He always had a genuine concern for his students, the university and community. Even though I was not able to complete my degree due to medical issues, his teachings influence me in my life everyday. He will be missed.
Anthony Hermann
August 13, 2010
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Dave. I was a former student at UA and Dave encouraged and help me recieve my AAS degree. Even though I never went to work in the field I did go into the educational field and am currently an assistant principal. During my return to UA for my Bachelors and Masters degrees, I always looked up Dave and often stopped by his office for a chat. He will be sorely missed.
My condolences to your family.
George Richards
August 13, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Dave at the University of Akron. He was always willing to make time to advise younger colleagues. The students loved him. He will be missed.
My sincerest condolences to the Hoover family.
George Richards
Matt
August 12, 2010
Doc was a great mentor. He brought me into the University of Akron program where he persuaded me to get my degree in emergency management. I will never forget you. God Bless.
Scott Swearengin
August 12, 2010
Many years ago, while serving on the Summit County Hazardous Materials Response Team Executive Board, Dave encouraged me to continue my education. I always remembered that advice. Decades later, now that the kids have grown up, I've gone back for my Masters degree. Dave was a great friend and advisor. His life made a great and positive impression on so many. He will be sorely missed!
Rick Harmon
August 12, 2010
To the Hoover family. Our deepest condolences for your loss. Dave and Marsha were some of the nicest boating partners that we ever meant. Dave was always a joy. He will be missed.
Rick & Penny Harmon (Flatrock)
August 12, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Hoover Family. I too was a student of Doc's at Akron U. He was definitely an inspiration and always had a good joke to share.
Beth Lockhart
August 12, 2010
I will always remember the smiling face & great humor of a real gentleman: I will watch Blazing Saddles & remember how David touched the lives of so many around him.
Bob Dauchy
August 12, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with and being a student of Dr. David Hoover, spanning over two decades of my career. He was a mentor and friend who was a compassionate professional. He charted a course that allowed the University of Akron and the Summit County Fire Service to rise to the top in Emergency Management response and accrediation. His passing has created a void for his family but also for the Fire Service nationally. Rest in peace my friend, I will always cherish the times we served together. Bob Dauchy, Fire Chief Retired
August 12, 2010
I grew up with David and our parents were friends. He had a wonderful and engaging family that sewed the seeds of accomplishment at an early age. John Driscoll, Greensburg,PA.
Hilda Walter
August 12, 2010
To the family of David Hoover, and especially Mary Ann, with fond memories of childhood in SW Greensburg, of your family so many years back, my sincere condolences to all of David's family. I also kept somewhat aware of his involvement in Akron, OH, where I lived and raised my family from 1974-2007, and now reside with my husband in Knoxville, TN.
Love & prayers,
Hilda (Driscoll) Walter and family
Catherine Reed
August 12, 2010
Doc was an inspiration to all who knew him. He had a servant heart, a keen sense of humor, and a earnest desire to meet the needs of others. His passion for education and his love for his family will be his legacy.
He will be missed. Your family is in my prayers. Heaven's gates are welcoming a faithful servant.
Prayers,
Catherine Reed
AnneMarie Scarisbrick-Hauser
August 12, 2010
You filled every room and everywhere with your big smile and kind heart - we will miss you but remember you with love and think of our happy times working together - AnneMarie Scarisbrick-Hauser, Bill Hauser, and Erik Hauser
Nancy Grant
August 12, 2010
I will miss my best firend and his family and his beagle dog.
I love you all.
Nancy
August 12, 2010
Dear Marsha,
It's been many years - and you may not remember me - I was married to your high school friend, Kris Cross. We visited you a long time ago and I remember David. He was a wonderful man and made great contributions in all that he did. I'm very sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in the memories you shared together.
With sympathy,
Phil Sannes
August 12, 2010
My prayers are with the Hoover family during this difficult time. As a former student I can say he left a legacy of genuine care and concern for his students and had a sincere desire to see us succeed. He will be missed.
Sharon Ulman
August 12, 2010
My name is Sharon Ulman and I was the secretary for the Summit County Emergency Management Agency when Dr. Hoover was a member of the Summit County Special Operations Response Team Executive Board. I would attend the meetings to take the minutes. Dr. Hoover was always a very professional, as well as nice and humorous, individual. He definitely had a passion for his work. I was deeply saddened to read that he had passed away.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Our loss is definitely Heaven's gain.
God Bless,
Sharon Ulman
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