HOFFMAN, EDWARD R.

Edward Robert Hoffman, at the age of 92, peacefully left this earth from his home in Bend, Oregon, [March 14, 2016] with the love of his life at his side, Suzanne “Susie” Mary Hoffman, his wife of 35 years. Family and dear friends were also present to honor and share loving memories of this truly great man.

Known as “Bob” to friends and colleagues throughout his life, he was also affectionately known as “Big Bob” to his family and close friends. Born in San Francisco, CA, to Edward and Lillian Hoffman, he grew up in the California Bay Area and attended Castlemont High School, where his athletic fortitude and strong 6’4” stature served him well on the football field.

In 1942, Bob joined the Marines to serve his country in World War II. He received the Purple Heart for wartime combat injuries received while serving in the Pacific.

After the war, he attended college at Fresno State University, where he played football and received his Bachelor of Arts in business. He went on to play football for a short time with the San Francisco 49er’s B team, until the wartime injuries to his knee forced him to leave the sport.

Bob was a very successful businessman, eventually becoming the executive vice president of Great Western Financial Corporation. One of his notable contributions to the business world was his involvement in the development of the adjustable mortgage interest rate.

On April 25, 1981, Bob married his true love, Susie. After retirement, traveling became their mutual passion, and they visited Africa, Russia, Europe, South America, Mexico and Alaska; for the next several years, split their time between southern California and Bend. The couple moved to Bend full time in 2006 where they enjoyed canoeing and golfing. Bob was an avid golfer until age 85, when the shrapnel in his knee finally forced him off the greens.

A tradition at the Hoffman home occurred each evening during happy hour (precisely at four) when Bob would sit down at his piano to play a medley of concert quality piano. His repertoire included big band, the standards, show tunes and one of his favorites, “Malaguena.”

Husband, father, grandfather and friend; the piano will play on in our memories, you will forever be in our hearts and the world is a better place for having had you in our lives.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Susie Hoffman; and children, Greg Hoffman, Robert Patton, William Ramos, Kathleen Newbould and Patricia Ramos. He took pride in his two granddaughters, Ashley Patton Marley, and Morgan Patton, who affectionately called him “Grandfather Clock.” He was after all a punctual man and expected the same of those around him.

A private service was held by family. Gifts or memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Niswonger Reynolds Funeral Home was honored to serve the family.