Bertrand H. Hoak

Bertrand H. Hoak (January 29, 1917 – October 19, 1987) was an American businessman and politician from New York.

Life

He was born on January 29, 1917, in Buffalo, New York, the son of Augustus F. Hoak (1887–1974) and Rose M. (Hoehn) Hoak (1889–1975). He attended Mt. St. Joseph's Grammar School and Buffalo East High School.^[1] In 1949, he married Nora Theresa Beasley (1920–2007), and they had five children. They ran Hoak's Lakeshore Restaurant in Hamburg, New York, and later also Hoak's Armor Inn in Hamburg.^[2] Hoak was chosen President of the Innkeepers Association of Western New York in 1961.^[3]

Hoak was a member of the New York State Senate in 1965 and 1966, and was Chairman of the Committee on Affairs of Villages in 1965. In June 1966, after re-apportionment, he ran in the 56th District for re-nomination, but was defeated in the Democratic primary by James D. Griffin. In November 1966, Hoak ran on the Liberal ticket for re-election, but was again defeated by Griffin.

He died on October 19, 1987, in Veterans Hospital in Buffalo, New York.^[4]

"The Innkeepers Association of Western New York's Bertrand H. Hoak Memorial Scholarship Award" was created in his honor at Erie Community College's Culinary Arts division.^[5]

Sources

1. New York Red Book (1965–1966; pg. 74)
2. Nora Hoak, long time restaurant owner, proud political supporter, dies at age 87 in the Hamburg Sun, of Hamburg, in June 2007
3. Innkeepers to Install Hoak as Head in the Buffalo Courier–Express, of Buffalo, on January 8, 1961
4. "Bertrand H. Hoak" at Family Tree Maker
5. Erie Community College – Culinary Arts