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Robert Hoffer Obituary
Born on Jan. 1, 1940, in Granville, he was the son of the late Robert E. Hoffer, Sr. and Nettie Mae (Chapin) Hoffer.
Bear graduated from Argyle Central School in 1957.
For 41 years, he was married to Elaine (Evans) Hoffer.
Bobby drove a tractor trailer milk truck for over 40 years, for several companies, including his family owned business, Robert E. Hoffer Bulk Milk Transport.
He was an avid NASCAR fan, who especially enjoyed watching No. 88, Dale Jarrett. Bobby also loved racing go-carts and stock cars. He loved life and being around his family. Bear was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. His passing leaves an emptiness in the family.
Survivors include his loving children, William S. Hoffer Sr. and his wife, Reneé, Robert E. Hoffer III and his wife, Amy, Elissa Gadow and her husband, Mike, Jeffrey Hoffer and his companion, Lisa, and Debbie Mosher and her husband, Ed; his brothers and sisters, Phyllis M. Pierce and her husband, George of Troy, Ronald J. Hoffer and his wife,, Cindy of Tennessee, Rodney K. Hoffer and his wife, Joanne, of Hartford, and Phillip M. Hoffer of Lancaster, Pa.; and several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Friends may call on Tuesday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Mary's/St. Paul's Church on the park in Hudson Falls.
The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.
The family wishes to thank his brother-in-law, Gary McLaughlin of Lake George for his dedication and support through Bear's illness.
In Bear's memory, donations may be made to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad Inc., P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hoffer
Jill Gorden
April 18, 2007
Elissa and family,
A father teaches you strength. I hope you keep that with you right now.
Best regards to all of you,
Jill Gorden
Elissa Gadow
April 15, 2007
Eulogy for Robert E. Hoffer - Little Bear
You didn't have to know Bobby well or even very long to know what he did - that he was a loving man with a great sense of humor and even greater sense of pride. His commitment to his family was unparallelled. He lived his life with dignity and passion, expressing his love for all of us right up to his last breath.
Over the past few days we have shed a lot of tears but, we've also shared many stories as well. I have looked around and seen many smiles and laughter. And I know that's just what Bear would have wanted - that we take this time of sorrow and truly make it a celebration of his life.
The following passages I am about to read were written by many of those who were particularly close to Bear and I would like to share them with you. One of the nice things about being in charge of the eulogy is you can decide who goes first and I pick me. So, let me tell you a little something about my big brother, Bobby Hoffer.
Rods words....
Big Brothers, what were they for? They would ride a pony around the dining room table, back out the front door of the the old farmhouse. Put us kids in his car, go down the road, turn around, go by the house while mother was looking out the window, she'd watch the car go by with nobody in it. We would play football in the yard, Ronnie and me, Bear and Phillip. I knew they were using Phillip and I for tackling dummies. When we were old enough to drive, about 11 or 12, we had to learn to drive through Bear - from go-karts to semis. And I think every kid in Argyle learned through him. He never said NO to our wants or needs and never asked for anything in return. If that's being a big brother, he overdid it.
From Phyllis - A sister's perspective
My brother asked us all the day before he passed away why we were all sniffling? He said, "I'm not." He also told me that he had never done this before, that he didn't know what to say. He had prepared himself much better than his family , he told me. He guessed this was it, time to say our goodbyes. Since our big brother is no longer with us and I am now next in line, I doubt that I can ever fill his shoes as "Big Sister." I asked him if he had instructions for me. He said no... I really think the boys have learned it all.
Ronnies definition of a Big Brother -
Big Brother... Always the first to do everything!
First to drive Roy Wells'horses (borrowed)
First to drive our doodlebug
First to drive our first 8N tractor
First to drive our Model T car
First to drive go-karts
First to drive milk trucks
First to graduate from high school
First to get married
First to have kids, etc.
He set the standard for the rest of us. I didn't know being a big brother was such a tough job until I raised my own family. I realized how each sibling looked up to the oldest. Bobby was small in stature but, he was then and he always will be my Big Brother.
Debbies words... Dad, my heart is sad with the thought I'll never hear a "wha'sup?" on the other end of the phone again. But yet me heart is glad that you are at peace and I will always treasure the final look in your beautiful blue eyes as you left me with a Hello Honey. So for a while goodbye Dad. Love you!
Another daughter's thoughts - Elissa
Although I have only had ten years with my father, it was as if we knew each other our entire lives, right from the first moment that we met. I have an unconditional love and bond with him that no one can ever take away from us. He completed a void in my life. We made the most of our time together and I know we will be together again someday. I thank God for blessing me with him. He lives forever in my heart until we meet again.
A note from Danielle...
Grandpa, you were always one of my heroes, a sparkle in my eye and you meant the world to me. I wish we had more time together. The memories of us I have will always be held close to my heart. I will never forget that beautiful smile of yours or how you made me laugh. I know someday we will see each other again. Until then, I love you forever and always.
From a loving wife - thoughts from Elaine.
Bobby and I had 42 wonderful years together. It was not long enough. We bickered like the Ropers and that is what kept us together. We had two wonderful sons and four grandchildren - two grandsons, two granddaughters, as well as a loving extended family.
There were so many things that we had planned to do together until I developed MS and he contracted cardio-myapothy, which led to kidney failure.
By the grace of God he accepted his passing and planned his goodbyes to everyone. I will love him until the end of time.
Phillip's words...
It's all been said by everyone before me- so, I'll sum it up to say "Toodaloo Buckaroo!"
DAD'S BIRTHDAY / NEW YEARS PARTY 2007
April 14, 2007
How you can show support
DAD & ALYSSA
April 14, 2007
DAD & ELISSA
April 14, 2007
DAD AND HIS BOYS - NEW YEARS
April 14, 2007
DAD AND ELISSA NEW YEARS 2007
April 14, 2007
Larry Dominick
April 4, 2007
As a long time friend of 'Sammy', (Robert E. Hoffer III ), I was fortunate to have met his Dad, Little Bear although only one time. It saddens me to see my friends in their grief, but that shows you how Bob will be missed. And remembered... I heard tale after tale about his life. I saw the people crying when they talked about him, and they were laughing at the same time. And of course, Elaine, his lovely, lovely bride. His wonderful, beautiful bride. A smile that welcomes you instantly. When she talked to me about her husband, that smile was all there.... and true. A real, genuine smile, right from her heart, her eyes just as bright as they could be, telling all about this man she so misses, and from what I've learned in a few days, rightfully so. She's so easy to love. I'm glad to be her new friend. I'm especially sorry for her, and I'll continue to be her friend. I'll hear more stories about Bob and I'll listen to every one.
John La Pointe
April 3, 2007
God bless you Uncle Bobby, It is said that being in heaven and the presence of God is like experiencing the most ultimate loving, happy moments that were experienced on earth; but, all for eternity. That if you take all the most happy, special, loving moments of your life with the people that you love the most, you would have your heaven. So to Aunt Elaine and Billy & Renee, Sam & Amy and the rest of his family and friends; Have faith in the fact that after all the suffering, he is in a place where all the love and joy that he has ever experienced with you will now go on for ever and that we can only strive to feel his presence each day by remembering and look forward to being with him in our Fathers house. With love, your nephew & cousin,
Cricket Rock
April 2, 2007
Elaine & Families
I am so sorry for your loss.
I will always remember the love,
humor and the wonderful smile
Bobby would have when I'd see him
at the lab, my mom (Irene) taking
care of his lab work and maybe my
dad (Art) would be there and how
Bobby would make us (Nascar Fans)
all laugh by saying #88 is gonna
win not sure what week maybe this week.
I bought a (1) Nascar Stocking #88 had my mom give it to Bobby, his comment was how am I supposed to keep my other foot warm.(Too funny)
*88* Bobby you will be missed by many people but you'll never be forgotten. *88*
Love Cricket & Princess Haleigh
___________________________________
""""I am sending you out a beautiful poem for all to share.""""
___________________________________
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Dixon Family
April 2, 2007
Elaine,
Our family extends our hearts and prayers to you at this time. Bobby was a wonderful man and he will be dearly missed. Just always remember how he made people laugh.
God Bless
Andrew, Kelly, and Hans J. Hoffer
April 2, 2007
God saw you getting tired, When a cure was not to be. So He wrapped his arms around you, and whispered, "Come to me"...- Adam Males
Our deepest sympathies,
Steven VanAernem
April 2, 2007
My Condolences to the Hoffer family.
Tom Allen
April 2, 2007
Glad I got to talk last summer to you. We will miss our classmate 1957
Tracey Pierce-Smith
April 2, 2007
Uncle Bobby was a wonderful man who had his incredible sense of humor right up to the end. He leaves behind a large, loving family who will always cherish their memories of him. Now we all need to carry on his legacy by having an annual family reunion!
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