We are saddened by the loss of Edward Hoyenski, who passed away in his home in Denton, TX, on October 25, 2024. Edward was born on October 21, 1968, to Judith (Judie) Hoyenski. He graduated from Plano East High School in 1986 and continued his education at the University of North Texas. He earned a BA in Art History in 1990, which he fondly remembered as the university's centennial anniversary. In 1997, he completed a graduate degree in Library Science from UNT, which led to his lifelong calling: stewarding and teaching in special collections.

Personally and professionally, Edward's most sustained impact was through his roles as curator and cataloger in the UNT Libraries Special Collections. During his decades there, he worked with Texarkana holdings, earning him a 2011 State Society Silver Service Medal from the Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution. As a longtime member of the Miniature Book Society, he diligently added to the libraries' holdings and inspired a love of miniature books in many visitors and students. From 2011-2016, Edward was "on loan" to the UNT Texas Fashion Collection, where he transformed behind-the-scenes practices, initiated a collection digitization project, managed a cadre of volunteers (that he fueled with pizza!), and served a critical role in moving a collection of over 15,000 artifacts into a new building. Complementing these full-time jobs, Edward taught graduate courses focused on rare books and special collections, transforming many students' lives with notable hands-on examples and field trips to area institutions. A former student remembers, "He taught us that every artifact, every book, every object had a story to tell, and he showed us how to listen to those stories."

Edward was a tireless researcher whose efforts supported others' projects, as well as the development of his personal collections and interests. Many publications list him in the acknowledgements, expressing the authors' appreciation for his research support. He personally loved Imperial Russia, Fabergé, and Wedgwood – passions that inspired several trips and much armchair travel to collections and exhibitions. He maintained his own collection of Wedgwood, taking great delight in adding new pieces to his extensive holdings and even sharing them occasionally for afternoon teas.

Edward leaves behind extended family members, community members, and colleagues who mourn his loss. A singular character, Edward is remembered for being as generous as he was stubborn, as earnest as he was rascally, as excitable as he was prone to melancholy.  Our lives were richer for having known him.

To honor his memory, please direct donations to UNT Special Collections.