David Hoey: Commanding Officer remembered for ‘quick wit’ and commitment to Carrick Sea Cadets that ‘cannot be over-estimated’
Lieutenant Commander (SCC) David Hoey RNR has been remembered for his quick wit and deep commitment to Carrick Sea Cadets over four decades.
As Commanding Officer, David Colin Hoey, who died on Tuesday, December 9, was synonymous with the maritime-focused youth organisation in Carrickfergus.
In 2022, David received the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate for Outstanding Meritorious Service Above and Beyond The Call of Duty. It is one of the highest accolades that can be conferred on members of the Reserve forces and Cadet movement.
The citation which accompanied his award said ‘his commitment to the young people of Northern Ireland cannot be over-estimated’ and described him as ‘a quiet, unassuming and humble man’.
In particular the citation highlighted the work behind building the Carrickfergus unit from a modest affair in a couple of portable buildings to the bustling base of today, catering for a membership of almost a hundred Cadets and offering an excellent waterside facility to Sea Cadets from across Northern Ireland.
Paying tribute to their late colleague, Sea Cadets NI said: “David gave more than 40 years to the Sea Cadets and was widely renowned for his quick wit, his sense of duty, and his deep love for his cadets not only in Carrickfergus his home unit but across Northern Ireland and the entire the Sea Cadets organisation.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Maureen, his sons Richard, Colin and Mark, his daughter Sheila, and the wider family circle.
“Fair winds, calm seas and safe anchorage, David. We are deeply proud to have known you and grateful for the impact you have had on us all. Thank you, Sir.”
A family notice, said Mr Hoey crossed the bar at Antrim Area Hospital on Tuesday, December 9, with his family by his side. He was the loving husband of Maureen, loving father of Richard, Mark, Colin and Shelia and father-in-law, proud granda and great-grandfather.
The notice added: “David will be loved and remembered always by the entire family circle and the Sea Cadet Corps Northern Ireland.”
A service of thanksgiving for David’s life will take place at Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium on Tuesday, December 16, at 2:00 pm.
Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, were invited to Northern Ireland Sea Cadets, c/o S&J Irvine 31-35 Irish Quarter South, Carrickfergus, BT38 8BL.