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BORN

1944

DIED

2023

David Hoffman Obituary

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 [email protected] for further details.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star from Aug. 7 to Aug. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for David Hoffman

Not sure what to say?





Anne Britt

December 18, 2024

Molly I think if you and want to say that I have such fond memories of David while he was at Gentlemen´s Acres.

Glenn E. Martin

May 11, 2024

Hey David, just saw you left for the Glory of Heaven. Loved meeting you from wild days of the 70´s to our cannabis company in 2019. Prayers are with you Molly & the children. I´m still fighting the Good Fight. I will see you soon. Via Con Dios my friend, you lead an incomparable LIFE
PEACE of the Ages

Lindy Minnick

April 8, 2024

Dear Molly and family,
I went to high school with Dave and remember him well. I heard of his passing in the W-L monthly alumni newsletter. I'm so glad to learn of his happy life and amazing accomplishments. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Lindy Minnick
San Marcos, CA

Pat Perry

March 1, 2024

David always allowed our dogs and horses to water at his well when we were headed north towards the range in Catalina

Jeff Stewart

September 27, 2023

My partner and I met and grew to know Dave and Molly while catering numerous events at the ranch. Dave always took great pride in showing the ranch to his guests. He and Molly would often visit with us before, during, and after the events and it was then that a personal relationship developed. My deepest condolences to you, Molly. No words can take away the pain of loss but it is that pain that should serve as a reminder as to why we miss our loved ones, the many memories of joy and happiness that reside in our mind. May God bring the peace that goes beyond understanding and the comfort that only the Father's loving arms can give be yours and your family's.

Gary Higgins

September 8, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss, I used to go up to the ranch and do work for Dave sometimes, he was a regular guy and a good friend, later I introduced him to my wife to make some furniture out of saguaro, unfortunately it was more than she could do, I would see him at the restaurant from time to time and we would talk until someone would come and get one of us, he will be greatly missed, again I'm so sorry for the family, he was a great man!

Marion Volk

September 7, 2023

So sorry for your loss! I am blessed to have met David, he was a great man.

Colistia

August 29, 2023

Our deepest condolences Molly. My heart goes out to you and your children.
With love, Colistia and Tom Sawyer

Michael Hornisher Esq.

August 28, 2023

David and his Law Partner Michael Brown gave me a break when I set up my first solo legal practice. At first I paid a small amount of rent for the use of their library space. I eventually rented an actual office from them. Things were never dull with David. His bigger than life personality will stay in our memories forever. RIP, you have earned it.

Larry Neidich

August 16, 2023

Molly and the kids,

Karsen and I are very sorry to hear of David´s passing. The world will miss his bigger than life personality, cigars and stories!!

We are glad we had the chance help you over the years and enjoy the great conversations about the development of the ranch, Lil Abners and all of his questions!!!

May the entire family find peace in the understanding of how special David was to so many.

Larry Neidich and Karsen Wick

Rose Caputo Fahey

August 16, 2023

Oh Molly - I´m so sorry. I started working at Abners when I was 18 and can honestly say David´s big personality changed my life along with meeting the sunshine that is you. I remember those years fondly as well as the early years at the Ranch. Wow - can´t believe THE David Hoffman is no longer on this earth. What a force of nature! All my condolences to you and the kids.

Diana Ossana

August 14, 2023

David was one of a kind. I worked for him for a few years in the early 1980s. He was brilliant, eccentric, and at times challenging, but always entertaining. I send my deepest condolences to his lovely family. I'm sure David had a lot of years left in him; I am so sorry for his sudden illness and passing. I have a lot of interesting and singular memories of our time working together. RIP, David. You'll be welcomed into the Great Hereafter.

M. Martin

August 14, 2023

I am so grateful I had the opportunity to know David and his wonderful family.
There is a bright new star in the heavens that is David Hoffman.

Steve Martin

August 14, 2023

Molly and the Entire Hoffman Family,
Joyce and I were so shocked and sorry to hear about David´s sudden passing. We had just seen the two of you at Guadalajara Grill a few days earlier. We only knew David for a few years but he lit up any room and made everyone around him feel at home. I will mostly remember his sense of humor. He made Lil´ Abner´s what it is and did so much good for everyone around him.

We hope all of these happy memories will serve you well in the sad days and weeks ahead. Be thankful that you have those to hold on too.

With Our Deepest Sympathy,
Steve & Joyce Martin
Tucson

Sharon Call

August 14, 2023

Hi Hoffman Family, we were so sorry to hear about David. Our condolences to Molly, Megan and Tucker and his grandchildren.
Jim, Sharon and James Call

Michele

August 14, 2023

David was larger than life. I've had the pleasure of meeting him and Molly almost 5 years ago, yet I feel I've known them my whole life. Molly, Megan, Tucker. My heart breaks for you all. May he Rest In Peace and watch over us all. Let's all raise a JW Black on ice for David. I'll miss you so much. Molly, I love you

Arlene Brown Rivard

August 14, 2023

Remembering Dave, he was our next door neighbor for years in the 1960´s & 70´s. He has a great love for his dogs Bacchus & Britta. Latter gifting Britta to my mom & dad. He had a chimp named Ruby, what a hoot she was!
He served as best man for my brothers wedding.
He always remembered me when I would run into him downtown. Dave was a special character who my family throughly enjoyed.
My deepest sympathies to his family. May you treasure all the memories of this bigger than life character.
Happy trails Dave!

Seth

August 13, 2023

David was such a larger than life person. I remember seeing him at the gym, grumbling in a way that made everyone laugh. I feel lucky to have witnessed one sliver of the impact he had on Tucson. I´ll miss his moustache. I´ll miss his swagger. I´ll miss the way he made people feel. Condolences to Molly, his children, and everyone who feels his loss.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Ali

Planted Trees

David and Stephanie Zeller

August 10, 2023

We´ve been so honored to know Dave, Molly, and their beautiful family. The times we´ve spent with them can only be described as `outrageously fun´! We´ve never known more honestly genuine and giving people than Dave and Molly! Our hearts are broken for you all, such an immense loss. To say that Dave will be missed is such an inadequate description of how I know everyone is feeling. RIP dear friend.

Michelle

August 10, 2023

Many fun memories at the Ranch! David & Molly always the best host & hostess! Thinking of Molly,Megan & Tucker at this most difficult time.

Lorraine Paterniti

August 10, 2023

I will always remember the grease pig days. David always made everything fun. Molly , so sorry for your loss.

Hilary Bass

August 10, 2023

Molly, Megan, and Tucker, I have no words but so many memories. Please remember to take care of yourselves and each other.
Hilary

Jean Bagley

August 9, 2023

I have known him since 1980 and he had a love for paint horses. In 1987 we had my husband, Charles, 70th birthday at David's ranch and we rode in the rodeo parade together. He will be missed!! Jean Bagley

Sharon Hopkins

August 9, 2023

Heartfelt condolences to Molly, Megan and Tucker, so very sorry to hear about David. May his stories and happy memories fill fill your hearts.
Sharon and Kevin Hopkins

Barbara Rose

August 9, 2023

David got Silverbell Trading off to a good start (as Li'l Gift Shop) in 1987, in the tiny outbuilding in Abner's parking lot. He believed in us, and our mission to offer beautiful, local and native arts, crafts and books- and "no junk", as he said! Condolences to Molly and family.

Phillip myers

August 9, 2023

So sorry for your loss

Nancy Scanlon

August 9, 2023

Thanks for the memories at the wonderful Rancho de los Cerros and Tucson living. Fondly, Nan Scanlon

Sherri Dreier

August 8, 2023

Sending our sympathy and love to Molly, Megan and Tucker. We are so sorry for your sudden loss. We hope that the beautiful memories you have built together will sustain you and help lift your heavy hearts. With sympathy, Sherri & Herman Dreier

Anne Britt

August 8, 2023

Fondly remembered during his visits to Gentleman´s Acres. He always made his visits memorable.
Condolences to Molly and his family.

Susan Dubow

August 8, 2023

I knew David way back in 1973 when he was defending a friend of mine. I had gotten a traffic ticket and asked David to defend me...boy, did I have Chutzpah. At court he got the case dismissed in about one minute, yet I still owed him lunch...our negotiated fee...at the old Ports of Call. Cost $20! He was a Readers Digest character. May he Rest in Peace and his memory be a blessing.

Doug Kramar

August 8, 2023

So sorry to hear.My deepest sympathies.

Molly A

August 7, 2023

So many fun memories with David Hoffman! At The Ranch, In Las Vegas - riding the roller coaster at Circus Circus until they kicked us off - and Hawaii - our day trip to Hilo and back up over the mountain! David you were and remain larger than life. My condolences to your loving family.

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results

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