I.B. Hoover, Jr.

I.B. Hoover, 93, died on April 10, 2025, in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Marion. He is survived by his daughter Sharon and husband Dan, son Bruce and wife Teri, and son Scott and wife Renee. His grandchildren are Ryan Thorpe, Elizabeth Earls, Emily Garcia, Alexandra Tomasi and Cori Parker. I.B. is also a great grandfather to 6 beautiful children. 

He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduating from the University of Louisiana - Lafayette and Tulane University, attending Loyola Law School and serving in the Army/Air Force, he spent twelve years in the financial organization of Shell Oil Company. He moved to Albuquerque in 1967 and was the Financial Vice President of Pubco Petroleum Corporation until he founded Business Environments in 1973 and continued to be active until 2007. I.B.'s passion for community service shows in the number of positions he held over the years, including coach and president of Altamont Baseball Little League, President of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, President of the Executive's Association of Greater Albuquerque, Chairman of the Governor's Business Advisory Council, President of the Kirtland Partnership Committee, Honorary Commander of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Chairman of the New Mexico Business Roundtable for Educational Excellence, Chairman of the New Mexico Highlands University Board of Regents, and President of the New Mexico Senior Golf Association, among others. He was a recipient of the New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award and also received the Steve Schiff Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Kirtland Air Force Base. He held many leadership positions through the years at Monte Vista Christian Church. I.B. participated in many other organizations he felt impacted and aided in improving the quality of life in Albuquerque and New Mexico. Since the formation of Business Environments in 1973, he and the company have been great supporters of United Way of North Central New Mexico. Both Marion and I.B. were strong advocates of Meals on Wheels. 

I.B. visited New Orleans regularly to visit with family, friends and listen to Dixieland Jazz in the French Quarter. He enjoyed observing the success of Business Environments, Lobo sporting events, family activities, playing bridge and golf, and the family getaways in Angel Fire. I.B., or Poppa to some, was known as a generous, charismatic, funny, intelligent, legendary man with infectious enthusiasm, love for jazz music and told a good story that knew no end. The impact he has left on the community and his family will be forever felt. 

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held May 20th at 10:30am at Monte Vista Christian Church, 3501 Campus Blvd. NE Albuquerque NM 87106. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Meals on Wheels or Albuquerque Little Theater.

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