Richard Gerald Hoff

RICHARD "DICK" GERALD HOFF July 8, 1952 - July 10, 2011 Richard "Dick" Hoff, 59, of Vancouver, WA, died July 10, 2011 after a hard-fought, courageous battle against lymphoma. His wife, Patty, and sons, Adam and Drew, were at his side. He was at peace and surrounded with love. Dick was the first child born to Arthur and Barbara Hoff on July 8, 1952. Though born in Longview, WA, he proudly hailed from Aberdeen, WA. "Bobcat pride" defined his formative years. He was an excellent athlete and a recognized wide receiver on the undefeated and record-setting 1971 football squad. He played college baseball at Grays Harbor Community College and once hit back-to-back grand slams; a feat unmatched at the time. Dick married his high school sweetheart, Patty Ellis, in 1973. After completing community college, they packed their beat up VW bug and headed to California to earn their bachelor's degrees at Cal State Northridge. This great adventure gave rise to their love of travel on the open road. A man who felt that "driving was serious business," Dick loved cars and navigated everything from his V-Dub to a 32-foot motorhome on countless trips to sporting events, tournaments, and family celebrations. After college, Dick and Patty chose Vancouver, WA as the perfect place to settle and raise a family. They were blessed with the birth of Adam in 1978 and Drew in 1982. Dick began his career as a State Farm Insurance agent in 1978. As the senior agent in Clark County, he was honored to take care of the needs of his policy holders, many of which had been with him his entire 33-year career. He was a trusted agent and friend to his clients, respected by his colleagues, and a treasured and beloved boss to his wonderful staff. The Hoff home was a constant buzz of activity for friends and family. It was a safe haven for his sons and their friends growing up featuring a fully-stocked kitchen, a constantly sizzling BBQ, a literal sports complex, thought-provoking discussions and - most importantly - a welcome sign that was always on. Dick's generosity also extended to family and friends; inviting them for great times at Rockaway Beach, OR. Dick loved sports. As a coach for his sons' many teams, he was a firm believer that "there is more to the game than the game." He realized that competition, rightly understood, would build character. The "life lessons" that Dick conveyed - with faith at the core - enriched the lives of many young athletes. Dick was wise, witty, supportive, loving, empowering, and brave. He was an avid golfer, a master of trivia, a lover of puns and humor, and a true "oldies" music aficionado. Richard Hoff was an amazing, irreplaceable man. He was a loving and devoted husband and father who found precious joy in his sweet granddaughter, Lucy. Dick's loyalty to his friends was unmatched. He had the enviable ability to truly listen and was the rare man who didn't want or need to be the center of attention. Above all, Dick was a man of deep, unquestioning faith who accepted God's love, grace, and forgiveness. Dick is survived by his wife of 38 years, Patty; sons, Adam (Jen) and Drew; granddaughter, Lucy; his mother, Barbara Hoff; sisters, Darcy (Joe) Marcou and Tricia (Rich) Malizia; lifelong friends, John and Cindy Basich and their children, Mylei (Steven) Carlson and Gabriel Basich; and 15 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur; and brother, Tom. There will be a joyous memorial service to celebrate Dick's life at Columbia Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, WA on Tuesday, July 26th at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the Water Resources Center, Vancouver, WA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.