Phillip G. Hoffman

TRAVERSE CITY — Phillip G. Hoffman, 79, journeyed to his heavenly home on Aug. 17, 2008.

He was born in Muskegon on Sept. 9, 1928, to Edward and Ina Cockran Hoffman. He lived in Muskegon through junior high school, when the family moved to Lansing. He graduated from Sexton High School, and Michigan State University in 1950 with a degree in accounting and business. He served in the United States Army from 1950-52, stationed at Fort Mead, Maryland, where he worked with data processing equipment.

During his career, Phil worked at Michigan State University; A.C. Sparkplug in Flint; Saginaw Intermediate School District; and Buick Motor Co. in Flint. In 1988, Phil moved to Traverse City. He loved living here. He owned the Salon Spot beauty salon for a time.

He was a loving caregiver to his mother during the later years of her life. Phil had stated recently that he had a long and happy life. He traveled and enjoyed many friendships. He was an animal lover and felt that his animal companions Kiddo, Bandit, Laddie and Dusty were his "true and glorious" friends.

Phil will be remembered for his great kindness to others. He volunteered for Hospice, served holiday meals in the community, and was known as a friend to anyone in need.

During the last week of his life, Phil accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior, and found true peace with God. His dignity, kindness and cheerful attitude were present in his life all through the difficult days of his illness, to the very end.

He is survived by nieces; nephews; cousins; wonderful neighbors Dick and Sue Huffman; and many friends.

His family wishes to thank Dr. John Gorman and the staff at Munson Medical Center for their compassionate care for Phil. Deepest thanks to the entire staff at Bortz Health Care, who cared for Phil these last weeks with kindness, humor, dignity and love. They gave wonderful care, and he appreciated it deeply, as did his family and friends. Thanks also to Hospice of Michigan for their care and support.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon at Clock Funeral Home in Muskegon, where services will be held at noon. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bortz Health Care Special Project Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Traverse City Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.