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Obituaries
Kent DeMille (Chief) Hoyt
Kent DeMille (Chief) Hoyt was born Jan. 19, 1928 in Kanab Utah. He went home early Sunday morning, Sept. 16, 2007.
He is survived by his wife Martha Lambert Hoyt; a daughter, Aleta Ferguson; sons, Joseph and Randy; a brother, Ross of Lander, Wyo.; a sister, Elaine Decema of the Bay area; and many loving grandchildren who were the true love and joy of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Josiah and Orpha DeMille Hoyt; brothers, Vincent, Delos, and Rodney; a sister, Roma Lundbers; a son, Darwin J. Hoyt; a daughter-in-law Cynthia Bess Hoyt; a granddaughter, Krissa Ann Hoyt; and a grandson, Mathew Bess Hoyt.
Kent grew up in about every town in Southern Utah from Cedar south. The true low point in his life is when his family moved to St. George where he was a marked man as a Sorgum Lap'n Agitator.
Dad spent a good part of his life on Cedar Mountain and enjoyed the outdoors. He learned a work ethic that has transcended three generations.
He loved horses, kids and a good scrap. Being the youngest boy he had plenty of older sparring partners with his brothers. This spawned his love for sports, especially boxing.
He was known as Cedar City’s pride as a scrawny quick-handed welter and middle weight.
Dad was known for his bird legs and was teased a lot about them and his contrasting girth. This was the result of a horse-drawn wagon accident on a steep portion of the old north fork trail when he was very young. He was never supposed to walk again. But he proved there was still some spark in them sticks.
He was also known as one of the earliest fight promoters, this mainly in the parking lot after Cedar-Dixie sporting events. His love for boxing made him the favorite at many Peach Days where he was well known for his pure boxing skills in a rural area where most kids were just rough and hearty.
His boxing prowess got him many fights to the Bay area where he was popular with the crowd, being a country boy who moved like a kangaroo and threw lightning jabs. His corner crew usually consisted of his brothers or friends who could make the trip.
The locals always hoped the best middle weight from the South would meet the best from the North, that being Gene Fullmer. It never happened but it was always the talk of the local coffee and barber schools.
Dad was the mentor for such people as senator Harry Reid and a young Cedar High kid by the name of Lamar Clark who ALI named as the hardest puncher he ever faced.
Dad worked at the Iron Mines for Colombia Steel for many years, then to the Police Force and on to Chief of Police until 1968.  He then moved over to the University Security where he then retired years later.
He started a Bonding business 25 years ago that is still in business. He also was a Parks Water Ranger and a Jack of many Trades.
Dad was the last of the social working police officers in that he truly cared for kids and always worked to keep them from making the wrong turn. He often cleared the jail on Saturdays for a painting party and a family style barbeque, all Mayberry style.
Family, law enforcement, the youth, playing with horses and just being outdoors were his passions. Later in life he became a highly-skilled racketball player and a croquet style golfer.
“He loved playing with the Boys." The family is dad's passion, kids, especially the underdogs. Dad's wish to his friends would be to take care of the needy kids in our little corner of the world.
The family would like to especially thank Dr. Ti, Dr. Thinnes, Ethan Bunker, the Beehive and Kolob Care centers, and Hospice care for the last few weeks for the memorable and comfortable care.
Services were at the Cedar North Stake Center Thursday, Sept. 20. Interment was in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent at www.southernutahmortuary.com.

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