Henry Hoye

1938 - 2025

Henry Hoye, 87

Henry A (Art) Hoye cast his first line in heaven peacefully in his sleep on the evening of his 87th birthday after being celebrated by family and close friends.

Born November 3, 1938 in Culbertson, Montana to Alfred and Vivian Hoye, Art's Montana roots ran deep. In 1946, the Hoye family packed up, left Culbertson, and made their way to Columbia Falls where Art not only grew up, but also planted his roots. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1957 and wasted no time to tie the knot with his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Luella (Lue) Pedersen in June of 1958.

They started a family of their own in 1959 with Bonita followed by Sheryl in 1961, Henry in 1962, and completed their family in 1965 with Karen. Art was a loving and dedicated husband and father, always putting his family first. Together they created a wonderful life and with their continued dedication to each other. Along the way, they wrote a love story most people can only dream of.

Throughout his career, Art worked a variety of jobs including saw filer at Plum Creek, welder at Anaconda Aluminum Plant, and small engine mechanic at Columbia Distributors. Art was best known as your local garbage man – and proud of it! Art and Lue purchased Wee-Haul Garbage Service in 1974. Although Art may have been the face of Wee-Haul, keeping trucks running and cans emptied, Lue was running the show; taking calls, paying bills, and making sure the trucks were exactly where they should be. They proudly ran Wee-Haul for 26 years, servicing the Flathead Valley and in 2000 decided to sell Wee-Haul and enjoy retirement.

Art was known for being a "Jack of all trades", always tinkering in his shop. There wasn't much he couldn't fix. He was the first one to help with any project and always had the tools you never knew you needed. Art showed up in this manner for anyone in his life including his family, friends, and even a stranger, and always with a smile.

Art spent his time outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman. Every fall, he looked forward to packing into Bunker Creek with his closest friends, Ezra (his hunting rifle) and of course, plenty of homemade cookies from Lue. Hunting camp became famously named "Bunker Hilton". Even if he returned home with tags un-filled, the stories and memories made were worth the trip.

Throughout the year, Art could be found with a fishing pole in his hand. Art and Lue spent years ice fishing at their cabin on Duck Lake or seeing who could catch the most fish at Ashley. The cabin at Ashley Lake is a cherished spot in the Hoye family. Art rebuilt the family cabin in 2014, but their property holds years of memories, laughter, and stories shared around the fire.

Art lived a full and wonderful life and will be deeply missed. His legacy continues through the many stories and memories he leaves behind. And on thing Art will tell you is, "Theres always room for a pie!"

Art is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Luella, his sister Susan (Bob) West, his brother Adrian (Nancy) Hoye, his daughters: Bonita (Joe) Minissale, Sheryl (Mark) Lockwood, and Karen (Charlie) McReynolds, his grandchildren: Amy (Beau) Orem, Torri (Bryce) Dayley, Mandie Friar, Kayla (Jake) Strand, Tel Hanson, Keshia (Christopher) Fisher, and Karly Skindingsrude. Along with 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Vivian Hoye, brother Ron (Anita) Hoye, brother Morton (Sandra) Hoye, sister Sally Hoye, son Henry (Cora) Hoye, and nephew Shawnn Hoye.

No services will be held at this time. As any hunter would agree, there should never be anything scheduled during hunting season. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for Art's family.