Rolla Bruce Hoffe

1927 - 2014

Rolla Bruce Hoffe
May 1, 1927 - Jan 11, 2014
Resident of Orinda
Bruce was born in Oakland California. At the young age of 17 he enlisted in the Navy and was honorably discharged 1946. Bruce earned his A.B. degree from the University of California at Berkeley before obtaining his L.L.B. degree from Boalt Hall in 1953. He spent the next several years with the law firm O'Melveny & Myers before returning to Cal Berkeley as Assistant Counsel to the Board of Regents. After working as Assistant General Counsel for Yuba Consolidated Inc., Bruce started a private law practice with his long time friend and law school classmate, Francis Watson, Jr. in 1963. The partnership of Watson & Hoffe would last more than 35 years.
Bruce was active throughout his career as President of the Contra Costa County Bar association, President of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, as well as Director and Legal Counsel for the Richmond Country Club.
Work was a delight to Bruce. He enjoyed going to work every day. Since retirement in 1999, his favorite times were spent Saturday mornings with the St. Monica Men's Fellowship, "The most heartfelt group of men I've ever been with". He loved football, baseball, bocce ball, jazz, scuba diving, reading, traveling, and his countless friends. Most of all he loved his family and we will all miss him deeply. Even in the face of grave illness, his good humor and positive outlook was an inspiration. We are all grateful for the kindness and excellent care he received in his final days from Aegis Living of Moraga and VITAS Hospice Care.
Preceded in death by his parents Peggy and Tony Leone, and son, Jeff Hoffe. Survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Shirley Hoffe; daughter Diane Donaldson (John); son Mike Hoffe (Carol); daughter-in-law Nancy Hoffe; grandchildren Brooke, Lindsay, Nicholas and Kevin; and 3 great-grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be held Friday, January 24, 2014, at 10:30am at St. Monica Church Moraga, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Cal Fund at University of California Berkeley.