January 23, 1950 - December 09, 2021
On December 9, 2021, Richard (Dick) Hoffman passed away in his home, surrounded by the people he loved, following the acute onset of Covid in August, followed by a stroke in September, followed by a fall causing paraplegia in October, and lastly, the diagnosis of advanced Stage 4 non small cell lung cancer. Dick was born in Lewiston, Idaho, on January 23, 1950, to Maurice R. and Marguerite H. Hoffman, being the runt of ten children but later surpassing all of his siblings. Coming from such a large family, his biggest pet peeve was the kids not finishing what was put on their plates, as seconds were rarely offered. Growing up, Dick attended St. Stanislaus School through 8th grade, then one year at Jenifer Junior High before going to Lewiston High School. He was a member of St. Stanislaus Church and served as an alter boy, always enjoying a few extra sips of wine behind the scene. Upon graduation, he only stayed long enough in Lewiston to receive his diploma, not attending the dinner or dance, and headed off to California. After spending only six weeks there, he ran out of money and decided to go back home. He had to ask his mother for a loan and promised to pay her back, which he did. He then went to work on the "chain gang" for Union Pacific Railroad and soon realized that was not what he wanted to do for the rest of his life either. After this, he took a position at the PFI Mill in Lewiston, eventually leading him to Omark CCI making bullets, where he was soon moved to a supervisor position. It was at Omark where he met his first wife Shari. A rule of the company was that couples could not work together on the job, so he and a friend filled out applications for a union electrical apprentice program, and were both accepted. This started his 40-year career working for IBEW Local 73, traveling around the Pacific Northwest on numerous jobs as an electrician. The last ten years were spent behind the desk for IBEW as a planning engineer, drawing the layout for the jobs, making it easier for the field electricians to just be able to look at the plans and know exactly what to do. Dick and Shari were married in 1969and later divorced. They had two children, Jon and Tami Hoffman. In 1983, Dick and Brenda met in the cafeteria at Sacred Heart Medical Center. They married on March 12, 1985, blending her two daughters, Lisa and Emily (Mimi) Durant with his children. Dick was a jack of all trades - he was extremely talented and the best handyman around. He loved to spend time in his yard, taking care of his pond filled with Koi fish, or building the most intricate train set anyone could ever imagine. Whatever project was asked of him, he could do it with ease. He loved helping the kids and grandkids with school projects. On one particular project, making a volcano, he received an "A" grade from the teacher as well as the kid. He loved animals and animals loved him. He was stoic in nature, had a heart of gold and will be forever loved and missed by his family and friends. Dick is survived by his wife and best friend Brenda; son Jon (Chelsea) Hoffman; daughters Tami Hoffman, Lisa Durant and Emily (Mimi) Durant. Grandchildren Sierra Cox (Chris), Kenna Hoffman, Abby Hoffman, Shaiya Griffin, Blake Kellogg, Nick (Maddie) Kellogg, Rylan Kellogg, and Hank Brant. Great grandchildren Jayce Kellogg and soon to be Stella Kellogg due in January 2022. Also survived by siblings Sheral (Sherry) M. Lance, husband Dan; Eugene (Gene) F. Hoffman; Dolores E. Vincent, husband Walt; Gordon J. Hoffman, wife Jenny Zorens; Anita L. Martinez, husband Ron; and Norma L. Hoffman. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Sandy Brown and Karen (Mike) Maloughney of Butte, Montana and numerous nieces and nephews. Dick was predeceased by his Dad, Maurice R. Hoffman in 1993; his Mom, Marguerite H. (Jacobs) Hoffman in 1986. His brother Maurice A. Hoffman in 2016 (wife Eileen also deceased). His brother Dennis S. Hoffman in July 2013 and His brother Allen J. Hoffman in August 2021. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Until we meet again, the hole in our hearts will be filled with memories of you.
