In Memorium

Bruce Edward Hoffman
16 June, 1968 - 21 September, 2006

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"
-Hamlet (V.ii.370-371)


"Bruce Edward Hoffman, 48, died on September 21, 2006. A native or Waynesboro, VA., he is survived by his wife, Catherine; and two children, Virginia and Bruce Jr. of Richmond; mother, Betty (Mrs. Henry A.) Hoffman of Waynesboro; brothers, John and Richard; and sister, Margie Johns. Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26, at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, corner of Forest and Patterson. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions would be appreciated."
-published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch


It's difficult to think of a world without Bruce Hoffman. He had an incredible sense of humor, razor sharp wit, always quick with a comment and appreciative of a good comeback. I know that his life hasn't been easy. There were things that weighed heavily on his mind and in his heart. His life wasn't the happiest, especially over the past few years. He was often left feeling frustrated, so much so that he wouldn't be able to sleep or eat, but I saw him do his best to force himself through those times. He cared so deeply about others and never wanted to hurt anyone. He loved his family, wanting nothing but the best for them. Each hurt that they experienced cut him ten times more deeply.

I have had the pleasure, the honor to know him for only 7 years, but I can not think about the past 7 years without thinking of him. We met at karate, training together during that time. We didn't spend much time outside of classes, but we took time to talk to each other. He was a great sounding board. He happily took time to listen if I had something to say. There were a lot of things that I didn't feel comfortable telling to others, but I never felt that way talking to Bruce. He was happy for my successes and always willing to listen to my problems. He may not have an answer to them, but it helped that he would listen.

Bruce was a friend in the true sense of the word. He celebrated with you, mourned with you, the first to make you laugh. He was always willing to make himself the butt of a joke and it always made me realize that it's all right to be silly. He worked hard, tried even harder. He knew he wasn't perfect, and he never claimed to anything other than human. I will miss him very much. This human, this person, this friend. I am thankful that my life has been touched by him. That my life has been changed for the better by knowing him.