Stig Preben Hoffmann

Stig Preben Hoffmann, known lovingly to all as Grandpa, embarked on his final adventure on February 9, 2026, concluding a remarkable journey that began on February 12, 1934, in the vibrant city of Copenhagen, Denmark. He waved goodbye to this world from the scenic surroundings of Silverdale, Washington, having waged a valiant 34-year battle with ALS, ultimately succumbing to aspiration pneumonia.

Stig's life was a masterclass in resilience and joy-traits best encapsulated by the words of the immortal comedian George Burns, who once said, "Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city." This quip could not be more fitting for Stig, whose humor and love knew no borders, whether he was jesting with his kin in Denmark or with his American clan, who held him dear.

As a master carpenter, Stig shaped the world with his hands, creating structures that stand as a testament to his skill and dedication. From his own apartment complex in Moses Lake, Washington, to an impressive duplex in Mountlake Terrace, and numerous buildings across Seattle and the chilly expanse of Alaska, Stig left his mark on the Pacific Northwest. Retirement in Burley, Idaho, was anything but idle for him. With his beloved wife Joyce by his side, he turned his talents to the canvas, capturing beauty with brushstrokes and winning a parade of blue ribbons that would have made Picasso raise an eyebrow.

Christian by faith, Stig embodied the spirit of his beliefs through acts of kindness, generosity, and an uncanny ability to bring laughter to any room, just as he did with his dance steps. He and Joyce glided across ballroom floors with such grace and passion that even the French could not resist watching in awe during their exhibition in France. Stig's zest for life was infectious, and his love for his family was as vast as the many countries he explored. He effortlessly switched between Danish, English, German, French, Spanish, and some Italian, charming locals and fellow travelers alike.

Despite the seriousness that ALS brings, Stig never lost his sense of humor. He was as funny as he was thoughtful, often lightening the mood with his quick wit and easy smile. His interests were as diverse as his language skills-from watercolor painting to photography, to dreaming up gadgets that simplified life's little tasks.

Behind his humor and creativity, Stig was a loving family man. His life story is woven with the threads of those who predeceased him: his wife Joyce, his parents Erik and Eva, his sister Inger, and brothers Vogn and Leif. He leaves behind a legacy of love with his stepchildren Jonni (Steve) Whitaker, Larry (Sally) Bryan, Ronda (LeRoy) Funk, and Lynda (Richard) Durrett, not to mention his sixteen grandchildren and forty-three great-grandchildren, who will carry on his spirited storytelling and bear the torch of his boundless curiosity. The familial tapestry is further adorned with the vibrant colors of his nieces, nephews, and their children in Denmark, who will continue to tell his tales across the Atlantic.

He leaves behind a heritage of joy, creativity, and an indomitable spirit that danced through every challenge. Stig's life was a dance to the music of time, and while the music may have stopped, his dance moves will be eternally etched in the hearts of those who loved him.

If a life well-lived is measured by the laughter shared, the love spread, and the dreams pursued, then Stig Preben Hoffmann was a giant among us, a beacon of joy and mischief. As we remember him, let us channel our inner Stig and find a reason to smile, a cause for laughter, and a moment to be kind, funny, and thoughtful – just as he would have wanted.