Mathias Aden ‘Pete’ Thomas Hoagland, 92

He was simply, the best.

Mathias Aden “Pete” Thomas Hoagland, age 92, lover of ice cream, drank a milkshake, closed his eyes and peacefully left our world on Monday, April 20, 2020.

Aden “Pete” was born and raised on a dairy farm in Malta, Montana, where his love of gardening and agriculture began. He was one of seven siblings born to parents Pete and Elizabeth Hoagland. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy, serving as a fireman, 1st Class on the USS LCS. He was honorably discharged from the Navy with an Asiatic Pacific Area Company medal and a World War II Victory medal.

When he returned from the Navy he attended Montana State University (Go Bobcats!), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. He moved to Whitehall where he taught botanical agriculture and met the love of his life, Ann Jean. They were married in 1953 and, in 1956, after welcoming three daughters into their lives, they moved to Kalispell where Pete taught seventh grade at Central Junior High School and developed many lifelong friendships.

In 1960, and two sons later, Pete received a National Science Foundation grant to attend the University of Utah where he earned his master’s degree in mathematics with a secondary degree in science. Following a Spring Break trip to Santa Cruz, California, Pete and Ann decided sunshine, opportunity, and great schools looked promising so in 1961 they moved their family to California and welcomed their sixth child and third son into their lives.

Pete taught middle school and high school for 31 years, 22 of those years in the Palo Alto Unified School District and one year as the first-ever exchange teacher at Waimanalo School in Waimanalo, Hawaii. He had an enthusiasm and passion for teaching and inspiring his students to be the best they could be. Until the day he died, former students visited, sent cards, special gifts, and/or called him. He retired from Gunn High School, in Palo Alto, where he was recognized as Teacher of the Year.

For 25 summers he worked in Glacier National Park as a campground caretaker. He loved telling people he was a member of the “ROTC” (Royal Order of Toilet Cleaners). He also spent many years as the timekeeper for football games at Stanford University, something he loved doing.

In 1987 Pete and Ann retired, returning to the Flathead and built a lakeside home in Somers. He loved the beauty and peacefulness of living on the lake and sharing it with family and friends. He never met a stranger. Any person he came in contact with was a friend and welcomed into their home for a drink, a meal, a game of cribbage, and a joke or two.

Not one to sit still, he was always busy doing something, whether it was working in the yard, planting flowers, nurturing his garden, shoveling snow, puttering in the garage, or helping neighbors with projects. If he was sitting, he was exercising his mind watching “Jeopardy” or “Wheel of Fortune” or cheering on the 49ers, SF Giants, MSU Bobcats, and Stanford Cardinal.

There were many things that brought Pete joy but nothing more than his family. Whether you were his child, grandchild, niece, nephew, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, or cousin, he made you feel special. There wasn’t a child that came into his life that he didn’t sing “Mairzy Doats,” give a horsey ride, or make sweet clucking sounds to make them smile. He was the epitome of a quintessential human being, modeling kindness, compassion, integrity, commitment, honor, responsibility, faith, and so much more His love for his family and his church surpassed nothing.

Aden “Pete” is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ann Jean; his children Vicki Costa-Price, Terri (Mark) Evett, Scott (Debra) Hoagland, Tim Hoagland, and Bill (Donna) Hoagland; his grandchildren Jon, Brooke, Dennis, Kevin, Wyatt and Colton; his great-grandchildren Tyler, Skylar, Jazi, and Calvin; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws, all who adore and love him very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents Pete and Elizabeth Hoagland; his brothers Jim and Bill; his sisters Anna Jane, Ramona, Marlene, and Sue; his daughter, Jami; and his grandchildren Jack and Rachel.

“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” — Khalil Gibran

Ann Jean and the kids invite you to plant your favorite flower or tree and to take a moment to express your love and tell the important in your life what they mean to you. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to the charity of your choice or to S.O.F.T. (Support Organization For Trisomy) at trisomy.org or 2982 South Union Street, Rochester, NY 14624.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, a memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.