In Memoriam

Eric Walter Hofmann, BEd’63

Eric died in Penticton on November 20, 2012, aged 76, sweet and gracious to the end. His lively spirit will always brighten the hearts of his wife of 31 years, Kathy (Reid); his children, Erica (David) Kencke of Portland OR; Tanis (Jorge) of Sayulita, Mexico; and Roger of North Vancouver. Grandchildren Nathaniel and Aislinn Kencke will miss their “Papa.” Born and raised in Trail, BC, he was the youngest of six to Swiss immigrants Robert and Frieda (Marbach). He is predeceased by his parents; siblings, Robert and Goldy (Bill) Cross; and first wife, Judy (Hague). He will be missed by siblings Lil Murray of Prince George; Nell (Bob) Bartlett of Vancouver; and Barney (Mara) of Okanagan Falls.

After completing Victoria Normal School, Eric began a 34-year teaching career in elementary, high school and college, mostly in Penticton. He always brought his passion for learning and biology into the classroom and inspired and counselled students to achieve their best. He also enjoyed coaching basketball and youth soccer. Eric was a role model for his students and peers and stood for what is right. He showed a genuine interest in each individual and made a difference to many. Eric’s positive energy, zest for life, and readiness to tease made him a remarkable partner, father, friend, and colleague as well as a fun opponent on the ski hills, squash courts and golf course.

In retirement he turned his energy to pedalling, cycling through the European countryside. His proudest achievement was pedalling 8,100 kms from Vancouver to Halifax in 2000. He will be missed by the Thursday “Bocce Boys,” and the Friday “Theos” lunch group. A committed blood donor, Eric gave 75 units of blood in his lifetime. Because of bone marrow failure he then received 382 units over eight years.

To honour Eric, you may wish to donate blood or contribute to the Eric Hofmann Biology Bursary at Penticton Secondary Schools Bursary and Scholarship Foundation, 158 Eckhardt Ave. East, Penticton, BC, V2A 1Z3. The family extends their gratitude to lifelong friends Larry and Norma Dolfo, palliative care nurses Erin and Carrie, and Dr. Mike Surkan. We appreciate the support of so many friends in these last weeks. Thanks also to the ambulatory care nurses for all those years of transfusions and the staff at Moog and Friends Hospice House.