Dr. Hoover had been a faculty member in the department since 1988, and Professor for almost twenty years.  He obtained his Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Chemistry from the University of Ceylon (as it then was), followed by a Master’s degree in Food Science from the University of Leeds, before coming to Canada.  He received his PhD in Food Science at the University of Alberta, and was Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa before joining the faculty at Memorial University.

Dr. Hoover had a lifelong interest in the chemical and physical properties of starches with a view to optimizing the use of starches from novel and different sources in the food industry.  His research program was funded continuously by NSERC since 1988.  Together with his students, he published close to one hundred papers over his career.

Dr. Hoover trained many students – including many from Sri Lanka – and some postdoctoral fellows over his career.   They all benefitted from his diligence and the rigorous training he provided.  He will be missed by all his trainees, past and present, and by all of us in the department of biochemistry.

A service of celebration and thanksgiving for the life of Dr. Hoover was held on August 27, 2016.  Among those giving tributes to Dr. Hoover were the department Head, Dr. Berry, and Dr. Shahidi.  University flags were lowered from 1-4 pm on the 27th to mark his passing.

Dr. Hoover's Obituary Notice.