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Eric Hoffman Obituary
Eric Hoffman, a resident of the Eldorado Country Club in Palm Desert, passed away on Dec. 27, 2016 at the age of 93. He was the former President and Chairman of Hoffman Construction Company, one of the largest construction companies in the US.
Eric Hoffman was born in Portland on April 29, 1923 to the parents of Lee H. Hoffman and Caroline Couch Burns Hoffman. He attended Catlin Gable School in Portland and graduated from the Thacher School in Ojai, California.
While attending Stanford University, Eric's studies were interrupted in WWII when he became a soldier in the 14th Infantry Division. His tour ended by injuries during the "Battle of the Bulge." He was awarded the Purple Heart medal and returned to Stanford to finish his engineering degree in 1948. Immediately afterward he joined his father at Hoffman Construction and advanced quickly to running the company, retiring as Chairman after 68 years of service.
Eric was generous with his time and money, he was a supporter of the Eisenhower Medical Center, United Way of the Desert, McCallum Theatre, and The Living Desert.
Eric died peacefully in his sleep on December 27, 2016 with his wife of 34 years, Ronnie, holding his hand. His is survived by daughters Joan Hoffman; Susan Hoffman and her partner Fred Trullinger; Sally Hoffman Miller and son-in-law Peter; son Eric Hoffman and daughter-in-law Jan Kelleher; step-daughter Geraldine Pope Bidwell and her husband H. Gerald Bidwell; step-son Sam Pope and his wife Carla; step-son Guy Pope and his wife Lisa; step-son Fred Pope and his wife Kelly. Eric is also survived by 18 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his former wife Jean.
A celebration of his life was held on January 4, 2017 at Waverly Country Club in Portland. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the above charities or a charity of your choice.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: desertsun.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eric Hoffman
Sponsored by thedesertsun.com.
Gil Guzman
January 13, 2017
Eric, thank you for the wonderful stories and encouragement.
Leroy Bradford Jr
January 4, 2017
Truly the epitome of class and kindness. He was both a father figure, personal mentor, and most of all a most caring personal friend throughout my life. I will never forget the wonderful times we spent together and the positive influence you had in my life.
CW
January 1, 2017
My condolences is to the Hoffman's family, and friends. Very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief, and be comfort by the memories of your loved one, and God'sWord at JOB 33:25; ISA.35:5,6
Andrew May
January 1, 2017
I was one of Eric's pilots on his citation 2 jet Eric was always kind sincere and generous he will surely be missed.
Happy Trails Eric
January 1, 2017
Thanks for the Memories,
Phil O'Shaughnessy
December 31, 2016
Hardly the cliche, he was a MAN among men.
BRUCE MACGIBBON
December 31, 2016
Eric, my friend sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He was an awesome member of the Community.
BRUCE MACGIBBON
December 31, 2016
Eric, my friend sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He was an awesome member of the Community.
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