William Roy Hofman's Obituary
William Roy Hofman February 19, 1919 ~~~ February 14, 2015Born in Rogers, New Mexico, Roy was the oldest of four siblings. At nearly five years old he treated his newborn sister, Lavon, like his own special doll. This began a lifelong joy with babies. And as more siblings arrived, big brother Roy loved them, teased them and set the example.Roy worked hard as the eldest, farm labor of all kinds, growing up during depression years, living off the land. His mother tried to raise him as a Southern Baptist but some of those stringent rules, such as no movies, no dancing, no alcohol, and no card playing, were not meant for him. He enjoyed a good prank and ran with the fun crowd.In 1938 Roy spied his true love, Wilda, when she applied for her first job as a teacher in Portales, New Mexico. His father was on the school board so interviewed her at the farm. And young Roy “set his cap” for her. After a year of courting, Roy proposed. He was a new college student whose only income was gas money from driving other kids to school, and Wilda turned him down. He pursued her though, quit school and got a job. They married in December 1939.In 1941, they migrated to San Diego with their first child, Willena. By 1944, their family included Wayne, and Roy was drafted into the U. S. Army. He served as a scout and sharp shooter in the Philippines and then patrolled occupied Japan. Wilda nursed Roy back to health when he returned from overseas with malaria and combat fatigue.Roy joined the International Union of Operating Engineers in September 1946, starting as a truck crane oiler, working his way to the operator position. Through the truck crane rental business he touched thousands of construction sites in San Diego County, helping to build the city.In the 1950s, along came a surprise, daughter Barbara, and just 19 months later, the fourth child, Betty. He was a strict father, with very high standards, expecting his children to succeed, and holding firm to his values.Roy and Wilda purchased rental properties, which challenged Roy to expand his abilities to fix anything. He always considered himself a jack of all trades, master of none. He maintained houses and cars, and anything else that needed fixing all of his life.In 1962, the first grandbaby, Cassie, was born. There was never a more proud granddad! His arms expanded to include twins, Sharla and Sherri, and then Steve, Stephanie, Tyler, Christie, Cherith, and Tom. How fortunate he was to watch them all grow. Regular granddad activities included Bobby Sox, Moto Cross, Junior Theatre, Little League, graduations, weddings, and great grandchildren… Kelsee, A.J., Megan, Harlee, Blaine, Brooke, Desiree, Allyson, Erik, Finn, Kiera and Lisa. Wow! And let’s not forget all the friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, and spouses who were welcomed through the years. Roy could always be counted on to embrace anyone who made his children or grandchildren happy.Retirement at age 60 brought great joy to Roy. He began gardening and recycling, spent more time with grandchildren, enjoyed the Belsnyrobhof cabin, traveled with Wilda around the country and abroad. He enjoyed Quarter Century Club friends, dark chocolate, Jack Daniels, hot peppers (he grew his own, dried them and made his “Devil Dust”) and dancing to country western music. And of course, he loved Wilda.Wilda will always be Roy’s sweetheart. He always considered her an equal partner. She meant the world to him, and together they made a great team. They shared a wonderful life together, full of joy and commitment. He was devastated when after several years devoted to full-time care-taking, he had to say goodbye to her. He was 93 years old, but able to adapt to continue to enjoy his family, friends and his garden for a few more years.As Dad, Granddad, Great Granddad, Uncle Roy and a dear friend to multitudes, Roy will be missed, remembered and held dear.This is just a glimpse into a life well-lived, an inspiration for us all. He joined his sweetheart on Valentine’s Day, so fitting for a man who loved so well.
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