On July 8, 2017, William (Bill) Frederick Hoffman passed away.  Bill’s goal was to reach the age of 100. However, having recently lost the love of his life, Hazel, three months earlier, he was truly broken-hearted and knew that his peace would be found at her side.

Bill was 92 and despite how proud he was to boast about his age, he was equally as proud of the fact that most people guessed his age to be at least 10 years younger.

Bill leaves behind three children, Janice (Dennis) Cline, Angie, Kent, Jody and families, Laurie’s boys, Alan Sarka and Chris Sarka and families, Grant (Diane) Hoffman, Kari Lynn, Bryan and families, and Arlene (David) Paul, Natalie, Braedon, and Spencer.  Along with Bill’s family, there are so many others who will miss his non-stop talking, his knowledge about everything, and his incredible warmth and generosity.

Bill was predeceased by his wife of almost 69 years, Hazel, his daughter, Laurie Hoffman, and his son, Scott Hoffman.  He was also predeceased by his twin sister Betty, sister Jean, and brother Marlin.

Bill served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II and was extremely proud of that fact.  He served on the HMCS Kincardine and his memories of that time were often shared with anyone willing to listen.

After serving in the navy, Bill began working for CP Transport, a decision that spanned his entire working career.  Although Bill and Hazel often moved because of his employment, most weekends were spent camping with family.  It was during these camping trips that Dad first showed his passion for cooking; but it wasn’t until he retired, at the early age of 59, that he officially kicked Hazel out of the kitchen and took over the cooking.  He never did master the art of cleaning up after cooking – but Hazel was happy to kick him out of the kitchen to clean up after him so she could enjoy the peace and quiet!  Bill’s early retirement also allowed him and Hazel to combine their love of camping with their love of dancing by joining the Kamloops Square Dancer’s Club.  The two of them went on many camping/dancing trips throughout the province and beyond for many years.

There were many other hobbies that Bill discovered to keep himself active.  Besides cooking, camping, and square dancing, he loved gardening and quoting the Globe & Mail.  His garden always overflowed with countless vegetables grown to perfection.  Once he moved out of his home with his large garden, he quickly took over other family gardens and found tremendous joy in comparing which garden produced better vegetables.  In true Bill fashion, he took full credit for the success of each of the gardens.

Bill also took credit for the successes of each of his grand-children and great grand-children; and boy oh boy, did he brag about them.  It didn’t matter which career or hobby any of the kids took on; whatever they chose to do, Bill believed they were the best.

Being active in the community was also important to Bill and he proudly volunteered alongside Hazel for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation for many years.  This cause was very near and dear to both.  He also volunteered with the Communities in Bloom, contributing much of his gardening and growing knowledge to this group.  Bill also sat on the Board of Directors for Cottonwood Manor in North Kamloops and was instrumental in its creation. Unlike his very private wife, Bill loved to do these activities loudly and proudly and we are certain that his passion helped spark greater support within the community.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to the many doctors and nurses both at Royal Inland Hospital and Ponderosa.  The family also extends a warm thank you to Dr. Ben Anders, who has not only been Bill’s doctor for many years, but a friend as well.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory can be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.  Donations can be made online at www.crohnsandcolitis.ca, by mail to Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation 600 – 60 St. Clair Avenue, Toronto, ON M4T 1N5, or by phone at 1-800-513-8202.

The family will be holding a private celebration of Bill’s life but would like to sincerely thank those many friends who have extended their love for Bill to the family.