Richard
(Dick) Hoffman passed away Jan. 22. He was born March 14,
1942.
We deeply miss our cherished father and dear friend, who beat lymphoma
for more than 10 years until its recent return.
Dick was born March 14, 1942, in Mojave, Calif., to Byron and Josephine.
He was the older brother and best pal to brother, Dan. Dick was a loving and
patient father to three children, Debra, Benjamin, and Jason. He grew up in
Albany and earned a BA and masters in education from Oregon State University.
He loved teaching, and his students loved him. During his long career, he was
voted “best teacher” and Teacher of the Year. Dick enjoyed the last 40-plus
years in his favorite place on earth, Harney County. He was proud and very fond
of his community, rich with loyal friends.
If Dick wasn’t planning fishing, his next hunt, or at “old man coffee”,
he was building custom fishing rods for the people he related to. The rods were
works of art, and he was a master. He never met a fish that didn’t deserve a
net, or a set of antlers that shouldn’t be displayed. He did an efficient job
with his .22 that we all nicknamed “The Squirrel Machine.” He had his own
contributions to “Harnonics” and favorite utterings such as “yupper”, “I wonder”
and “kick some finny fanny.” He always paused before exiting a lake to thank
higher powers for the liberal catch. If you ever asked him where he caught all
those fish, he would reply, “Why…in the mouth, of course.” Wildlife in Harney
County and beyond need not fear the fate of the frying pan quite as much
now.
Dick always had something to share: his commitment to his students, a bed
at his house, a package of game meat, cans of fish, fishing gear, and plenty of
knowledge. He was never shy with a hug. In his opinion, there was no such thing
as a bad brand of Scotch. If if had a picture of a kilt, or had a clan on the
label, it was mighty fine.
When you read this in the paper, those of you who knew him will take a
moment as the memories come back to you. Yes, there will be sadness. But, we
hope a smile will come to your face. Dick lived his life just the way he planned
it — full of what, and who, he loved. What a kind, generous, caring,
compassionate, and happy man! Those of you who spent time with Dick are
suffering a void in his absence. But, we are so thankful we have great memories
and can visit him in our minds. “You are not dead until you are forgotten.” And
so, Dick will be around for a long, long time!
Dick would appreciate any support you can give to the Harney County
Dollars for Scholars charity at harneyco.dollarsforscholars.org.
