It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Kenneth Vivian Hoffman, 93, of Fort Frances, Ont., on Thursday, April 16, 2009 in his home at Rainycrest.
Ken was born in Rainy River, Ont. on Aug. 21, 1915 to the late Carrie and Reginald Hoffman.
Remaining to cherish Ken’s memories are his wife of 68 years, Hilda; one son, Gerald (Susan); and two daughters, Carol (Ray) Bujold and Linda (Robin) Reed, all of Fort Frances, Ont.
Also surviving are his grandchildren, Angela (Reece) Mitchelson of Fort Frances, Ont., Jennifer (Darcy) Brown of Cambridge, Ont., Mark Bujold of St. Albert, Alta., Christopher (Melanie) Reed of Winnipeg, Man., and Heather (Shannon) Penney of Thompson, Man.; and four great-grandchildren, Emily and Brady Penney, Roen Mitchelson, and Trenton Reed.
He also leaves to mourn one brother, Lloyd (Arlene) Hoffman of Fort Frances, Ont.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his siblings, Clarence and Ada, Ivor and Anne, Dorothy and Ray Culp, and Violet and Matt Firmenich; sisters-in-law, Thelma and John Johnson, and Myrtle and Nels McKinnon; as well as one grandson, Jeffery Reed, niece, Joan Denton; and nephews, Kenneth Johnson and Kelvin McKinnon.
Ken joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942. Following service in the RCAF, he returned to his career at the Sanitary Dry Cleaners, which he eventually owned and operated until his retirement in 1975.
For 30 years, Ken and Hilda enjoyed winters as snowbirds in Texas, Nevada, and Arizona.
Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed the sports of curling and tennis. He was especially proud of his tennis accomplishments, having been district champion for three successive years in his teens.
He continued to play this sport well into his 80s with his brother, Lloyd, and friend, Lou Farago.
Ken was an active member of Knox United Church, and held the role of treasurer for many years.
After building the family cabin in Rocky Inlet Bay in 1964, he spent many hours on the lake, fishing, gardening, woodworking, and playing cards.
He was especially fond of family gatherings, sing songs with harmony, and spending time with his grandchildren.
As per Ken’s wishes, a private family service, officiated by Rev. Barbara Miller, was held on Tuesday, April 21 at Green Funeral Home.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to Knox United Church or Rainycrest c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.