Bernard Henry Hoffman

May 28, 1925 – March 16, 2017

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our stepfather, grandfather, great grandfather Bernard (Ben, Bennie) Hoffman.  Ben died of natural causes while at his home in the Pioneer Towers.  He was predeceased by his wife Rene Hoffman in 2012, parents; siblings Annie, Herman, William, Henry and Tom, nephew Arnie Fritsch and step daughter Sandra Sloan

Bennie is survived by step children Sherrin (George) Perrouault, Rick Sloan, Shirley Sloan (Moira), Rod (Joanne) Sloan, Sheila Sloan, Shelly Sloan (Stephen Woodthorpe).

Grandchildren: Teara Ashby, Ryan (Charity) Ashby, Randy (Julia) Sloan, Shawna Sloan,  Montica Lesperance (Pat), Melanie Kowaluk (Joost), Chris Rieder, Debbie Rieder, Jason Blackburn, Jerrid (Susan) Blackburn, Cara Blackburn, Jody & Brandy Houghton (Ben Swanson).

Great grandchildren:  Makayla & Marissa Ashby, Sean, Liam, Wyatt Sloan, Kasia & Melia Lesperance, Ethan & Hunter Brown, Joey Blackburn, Ayla, Adda,& Anya Blackburn, Emily & Riley Swanson, Raelyn & Bryden McDonald.

Also survived by nieces & nephews; Denise, Mark Hoffman, Jim Hoffman, Louise, Gloria, Rosalie, Anita, Marie Perlinger, Pat Fritsch, Delores Fritsch and Elaine Fritsch.

Ben was born in Lake Lenore, Saskatchewan where he grew up working hard on the family farm.  Ben and his brother Herman came by train to Port Alberni and stayed in the Arrowsmith Hotel until they got jobs, which was not long after they arrived. Ben got a job at the Somass Mill where he worked for 40 years. During his bachelor years he built many burl clocks and tables the largest table he donated to the Pioneer Towers and is in the lobby now. After retirement he enjoyed receiving his retirement cheque for almost as many years as he worked!

In August 1982 Ben and Rene were married.  They lived in Port Alberni for a short time then built a home on Hornby Island where they spent 15 wonderful years.  After 10 years in Qualicum Bay they relocated back to Port Alberni.

After retirement Ben kept himself busy growing a vegetable garden, taking up curling and travelling.  He loved working the land into a very healthy, beautiful garden both in Port Alberni and on Hornby Island.  On the island he enjoyed fishing and collecting seaweed for his garden.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Yates Memorial Chapel, 4470 Gertrude Street, Port Alberni, BC on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the hall.

 Service Information