BOB HOFFMAN

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H.R. "BOB" HOFFMAN H.R. "Bob" Hoffman passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2001 in Brandon, Manitoba. Bob was born to Martha and W.R. Hoffman on April 5, 1928 and educated in Brandon. At the age of 15 he moved to Toronto, Ontario to live with relatives. While in Toronto Bob joined the Merchant Marines and sailed with Shell Oil from the age of 16 to 25. He left the Merchant Marines and returned to Brandon, where he met and married Elsie Neilsen. They had two sons, Cal and Brad. Bob worked with his father, W.R. Hoffman, in the "typewriter" business, and eventually took over the business. While owning and managing H.R. Hoffman Ltd., there were a few slogans he adopted: "park in the city lot - we pay the shot" and the one for which he was well known, "we sell the best and fix the rest". Bob retired from this line of work when he sold his business property to the City of Brandon to make way for the Brandon Gallery Shopping Centre. Not being one to take kindly to "retirement", Bob was involved in a number of other endeavours in Brandon. He owned and operated HRs Health and Fitness Club, was a part owner of Metev Woolen Mills, was a case worker for the Federal Business Development Bank and served as President and Chairman on the Westman Media Co-Operative Board of Directors, to mention a few. Bob belonged to a number of community organizations. He was a longtime member of the Brandon Kinsmen Club, the K-40, the Brandon Flying Club, the Royal Canadian Legion and was a Master Mason in Tweed Lodge. He was interested in all sorts of outdoor activities, flying, and was an avid "collector". In June of 1973, Bob, along with his best friend, Dr. Keith Hurst, travelled to Ottawa to receive the "Medal of Bravery". This honour was for saving the lives of two men after their boat capsized at the 3rd Street dam on the Assiniboine River. Bob was not one to let age slow him down, and at age 65 took up sky diving. Bob is survived by his sons, Cal and Brad; his sister Thea Scarlett; brother Bruce and stepmother Edna Atkin. Bob was predeceased by his father W.R. Hoffman and his mother Martha Hoffman. The funeral service will be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North on Monday, March 12 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Brandon Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Bob may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 203-42 McTavish Ave. East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B2. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 10, 2001