With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the unexpected passing of Dwight Bristol Hoy, who was called to Heaven on September 14, 2026, at the age of 60. Though he was taken far too soon, we find comfort in knowing he is now resting in eternal peace, free from pain and suffering, and will continue to watch over and guide all those he leaves behind. 

Dwight was born in Helena on June 14, 1966. He was a skilled and dependable worker who spent the majority of his career—more than 40 years—as a laborer in various small towns throughout Montana. The last 25 years he spent working at American Chemet. It was there that he met his best friend, John Shute, sparking a long friendship centered around their shared love of the outdoors. 

Outside of work, Dwight’s soul was truly at home in the wilderness. An avid outdoorsman, he was happiest in the mountains. Whether he was hunting in the quiet of the early morning, cutting through the silence with his chainsaw, trolling for walleye, or riding his dirt bike or ATV through the backcountry, Dwight embraced every moment spent beneath the open sky. 

Some of Dwight’s best days were spent hosting and guiding youth hunts with John at the Grande Ranch. He loved throwing big fish fries for his friends, bringing everyone together to share in the catch and the memories. He was rarely seen without his loyal bull terriers—first Annabelle, then Henry—who were constant companions in his daily life and outdoor adventures. 

Nothing reflected his hard work, pride, and love of nature more than the incredible home in Lump Gulch that he built with his wife Cheri. More than just a home, it was a sanctuary they carved out of the landscape they loved. He found great satisfaction watching elk, moose, and every other manner of wildlife from the porch of his own little piece of heaven. 

Although it took Dwight four LONG years to finally pop the question, he and his beloved wife Cheri shared 35 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, adventure, and countless memories. They were not only husband and wife, but true partners and best friends who built a beautiful life, family, and legacy together. Anyone who knew them—or simply had the privilege of being around them—could see the deep adoration and easy, uncomplicated love they shared. Their connection was the kind that felt effortless, unwavering, and deeply rooted; a partnership in every sense of the word, and the definition of soul mates. 

Dwight first met Christopher (Chris), when he was 11 months old. Cheri remarked that she and Chris were a package deal right from the start, and Dwight embraced his new role with open arms. He raised Chris as his own, passing down his strong work ethic and deep passion for the mountains. In 2020, Chris surprised Dwight by legally changing his last name to Hoy, honoring the man who had raised him—a gesture that deeply touched Dwight. Dwight enjoyed seeing Chris become a father who, despite his early work hours, always made being there for his girls the priority. 

In 1995, Samantha (Sami) was born, completing their family. Dwight cherished having her as his sidekick and took great pride in teaching her to hunt as she grew older. Their hunting trip to Texas remained one of his favorite memories. He was immensely proud to watch Sami become a mother, and the two shared a special bond and confidence in each other, along with the same wry sense of humor. 

Dwight was completely smitten with his three granddaughters. Though he jokingly called them “larvae” when they were babies, he effortlessly embraced his role as the fun Grampa as they grew. He spent countless hours playing games with them on his iPad, playing kitchen and hide-and-seek, sledding, taking walks, watching movies, and, most of all, laughing with them. They brought him endless joy, and he relished every moment he spent with them. 

Dwight was an often-quiet, but devoted and steady presence in the lives of his family—a dedicated husband, son, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. His warmth, strength, humor, and adventurous spirit will remain an enduring guide for all those who loved him. The memories he created, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave will carry on through the generations. 

Dwight is survived by his wife, Cheri Hoy; his children, Chris Hoy (Valerie) and Sami Parvinen (Tagert), and his prized grandchildren, Paisley, Harper Ann, and Callie Jo; his parents, Mariann Wenstrom and Dan Hoy; his brothers, Duane Hoy, Dirk Hoy (Rachel), Dominic Hoy (April), and Brandon Hoy; his stepbrothers, Bob Wenstrom (Michelle) and Merle Wenstrom (Sherry); his in-laws, Carl and Carol Rae Lane; and brother-in-law Calvin Lane (Kathryn). He also leaves behind a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers, and friends whose lives were touched by his. 

He was preceded in death by his best friend, John Shute. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7