William Brooks Hoffman

Bill gave me my first lab. That gift became a 46-year love affair with the breed. A gesture I have never forgotten and will always cherish. He gave me more than just a dog. He built a doghouse for the puppy with me watching his every move. (I packed that rather sizable doghouse each time I moved 5 times of the next 16 years.) Bill also showed me how to train a lab puppy and encouraged me to read Richard Wolters books (Water Dog, Gun Dog) which I did enthusiastically. We spent the first 3-4 months together in afternoon training sessions. I repeated that same gift (a lab puppy) several times over the years as a personal tribute to Bill, or as I always referred to him, Mr. Hoffman. Of course he preferred Bill. I will always have tremendous love, respect, and admiration for the man. We have lost one of the finest men I ever knew. I extend my sincerest condolences to Billy, Barry and Ben. My love, respect and admiration extends to them as well.