Terry Hoy, emeritus professor of political science at Simpson College in Indianola, died May 2 at Kavanagh House in Des Moines. Born in Huron, SD, on March 2, 1924, Terry persevered through the early death of his mother and the hardships of the Great Depression; these experiences encouraged him to look for a means out of the deprivation he had endured as a child. After completing high school, Terry enlisted in the army and served as a radio operator in Burma with Merrill's Marauders, an elite World War II fighting outfit. In spite of this distinguished service, for which he earned a Bronze Star, Terry was self-effacing about his contributions to the unit. After the war, Terry studied government at the University of South Dakota, graduating in 1948. He went on to complete a Masters Degree at the University of Washington and a Ph.D. in political science at the University of California at Berkeley. Terry taught briefly at the University of Arkansas and for the University of Maryland's overseas program before taking a tenure track position at Simpson College in 1960. He was a respected professor in the Political Science department and an active member of the college community until his retirement in 1986. Terry remained active with his scholarship, spending his days at the Simpson library and publishing three books after his retirement, including The Political Philosophy of John Dewey and The Resurgence of Evolutionary Biology.

Terry was a true renaissance scholar, with interests ranging from the ancient Greeks and John Dewey to evolutionary biology and the intersection of political structures and social justice. More recently, Terry centered his attention on the works of scholars and thinkers from various fields, such as Martha Nussbaum, Amartya Sen, and Muriel Rukeyser. Philosophy was his true love, and he could apply it to any subject. He was happiest when discussing philosophy, politics, and poetry with his friends. Terry's passion for reasoned, intelligent discourse and his strong sense of justice attracted those with similar interests. With a glass of wine and a little Aristotle, he drew people into his circle, and his smile and warmth inspired camaraderie among his friends. Terry is survived by the many people who loved him, particularly those in the Simpson community. He supported many social justice organizations; in lieu of flowers, his wishes were for people to contribute to such funds.

No services are planned.