David Hoffman

1944 - 2023

David Stuart Hoffman died unexpectedly at home on Thursday, August 3, 2023. David was known by family and friends as a smart, funny, creative, "larger than life" character who could instantly make friends in any setting. David was an avid art collector, saw opportunity in unlikely places, and transformed ordinary spaces into extraordinary environments through his creative genius and determination.

David was born in New York City on March 25, 1944 to Beth Silbermann Hoffman and Herbert E. Hoffman. The family moved to Arlington, Virginia in 1948, where David grew up in a multigenerational extended family and graduated from Washington-Lee High School. After graduating with a psychology degree from Duke University, he moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1967 to attend the University of Arizona Law School and served in the Army National Guard.

David graduated from U of A Law School in 1971, and worked as a Federal Prosecutor, trying drug, immigration and organized crime cases. Several years later he established a well-regarded private criminal defense firm in Tucson. He was a confident and effective trial lawyer; easily recognized in the courthouse in his big Western hats.

In the late '70s, David transformed a 2-acre spread in Tucson into an urban oasis with a gym, tennis courts, stables, a tack room, and space for his dog, cockatoo, horses, and monkey (Clarence Darrow Esq.- Monkey at Law).

In 1981, David purchased L'il Abner's Steak House, a Tucson landmark in continuous operation since the 1940s. While maintaining the original western charm of the restaurant he expanded the menu and musical entertainment.

On a horseback ride in the Catalina State Park in the late '80s, David came upon an abandoned YWCA camp in disrepair. He was intrigued and purchased it one week later. He transformed "Rancho de los Cerros" into a stunning ranch and event center, hosting tens of thousands of corporate clients and celebrities. He raised and bred paint horses on the ranch, created an old western town, and a "Boy's Club". David had an extraordinary ability to envision "what could be", and to make the places he loved special. He added unique touches to the ranch, such as elaborate stained-glass windows throughout the home, a 43 foot bell tower, western art collection of paintings and bronze sculptures, and a "DNA strand design" staircase, painted with a luminescent paint made of pearls and semi-precious stones. But most importantly, he married the love of his life, Molly Scanlon, on the ranch, and there together they raised their children and made memories until they moved into town in 2021.

David is survived by his wife, Molly, his children Megan and Tucker (Rachel), his grandchildren, Hudson and Elsie, his sisters Joan (Ben) Smith and Barbara (Larry) Eldridge and a large extended family and circle of friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts.

Remember David anytime you see a great mustache, hear a great story, or smell the scent of a cigar. Any favorite memories and pictures of David are greatly appreciated. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 2, 2023 in Tucson. Please reach out to CelebratingDavidHoffman@gmail.com for further details.