Austin J. Hoffman II

Austin will never be forgotten.

Wrong, unfortunate, sad, and so many more words can be applied for Austin being gone so early. As one of the three who shared an apartment with Austin sophomore year at Cornell ('74-5), I remember him clearly as quiet, calm, intelligent, generous, considerate. A gentle giant who you wanted on your side because he had all these great characteristics -- and he was a big guy! Looking at the pictures posted here, it was easy for me to go back 36 years and just put that mop of bushy, curly hair...

I am deeply sad to hear that Austin is gone. I remember the hours we spent in ontological discussions as room mates our freshman year at Cornell; Austin always quietly considering and enjoying his profoundly anthropological perspective on life, spiritualty and philosophy - with great warmth, generosity, humor and intelligence. I remember thinking that he was, at once, the smartest and most humble person I ever knew. Although we lost touch, I was honored to be his friend and room mate. My...

I'm stunned, really, that Austin has passed, and very sorry that I didn't know of it sooner. I knew Austin through his son, Connor, who has been my dearest friend for well over eleven years. I sadly didn't see much of Austin, when I went over to visit, but I do remember him as a wonderful guy. I wish I could have gotten to know him better.

My love and support to all of you.

I shared an apartment at Cornell with Austin and two other guys. This was 1974-75, and I remember us all being a little giddy about having our own place off campus.

Of the four of us, Austin was always the most grounded. Calm, reliable, focused, and sometimes intensely serious. He also had a terrific sense of humor, which I'd characterize as pretty far left of center. When he found something to be funny, he'd laugh from so far down that you couldn't help but get pulled in.

I knew Austin at Cornell during our undergrad years. Although we didn't keep in touch, I know could have reached out at any time and felt as if no time had passed. I am heartened to read the other posts about Austin's life and wonderful family, but feel a deep loss with his passing.

I just learned of Austin's passing and am shocked at the news. I had the honor of working with him at Pyramid,and he was an outstanding lawyer and mentor. My deepest sympathies -

Doris, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this truly tough time. I wish I could reach out and hug you.
Bobbi Wimberly Harbrecht

Doris and Connor,
David, Devon and I were so very sad to hear about Austin. I tried to keep up with his progress through dad and your mother. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. With much love, Sandy