Wilbert Marvin Hoffman

Wilbert passed away peacefully in Chilliwack, at the age of 93, with his loving daughter Carla at his side. Wilbert was a man living life to the fullest, with many talents that allowed him to experience many occupations.

He started life in Saskatchewan, moving as a small boy to Lacombe, Alberta. From there, he moved with his family to the Okanagan Valley in B.C., where he was an orchardist, sheep farmer, cattle rancher, logger/saw miller and taxidermist. In 1966 he, along with his family moved to Fort St. John, B.C., in the Peace River Country. There, he purchased land and built a mobile home park, which is still in business today. Having made a success of this business, the call of the land became strong again. Selling out, Wilbert, Leona and Heather moved to the Hines Creek area in Alberta, buying a farm, building a house and eventually starting a buffalo ranch. It was another successful adventure, but wanting a shorter winter they sold and moved to Creston,

B. C. There they enjoyed several years of retirement, hobby farming, mixing with Wilbert’s brothers, as well as making good lifelong friends. Good things tend to come to an end, and the Hines Creek farm had to be repossessed, so back to the buffalo ranch they went. After several years of upgrading the ranch they sold again, this time to retire in Cochrane Alberta.

After a time, Wilbert complained that his elbows where sore from rubbing on the picket fence. He set out to find another dream in Sundre, Alberta. Here was a beautiful home, ready to move into and lots of work to keep him occupied. It didn’t take long and Wilbert was back in the buffalo business. During this time he took on his autobiography with the help of an old Tandy computer.

All things considered it was a lovely lifestyle, but his precious wife became ill and passed away in 2003. He felt he could not stay on his beloved place alone, so all was sold and he purchased a modular home, setting it up on his daughter’s yard close to Hines Creek. The winter was long and in the spring he decided that Chilliwack would be a much better place for him, and he would be close to another daughter, Carla. He has resided in Chilliwack for the past 10 years, and He could be seen driving down the streets of Chilliwack with his three wheeled bike, finally graduating to a motorized version. He attended many church functions as well as singing and performing with The Heritage Singers, which gave him a challenge as well as much pleasure.

Wilbert cherished his independence past his 90th birthday; however, spending the last year in full care was very hard for him. Carla became the light in his day and he looked forward to seeing her morning and night.

Wilbert is predeceased by his loving wife Leona, his parents Henry and Martha Hoffman, his sister Ruth Basaraba, and a grandson Wayne Herbison.

He is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law Asenath and Don Herbison, Carla Hoffman, Heather and Rick Miller; four grandchildren, Jennifer and Ryan Duford, Daniel Miller, Trena and Mike Radley, Marcy and Ralph Schlauwitz; seven great grandchildren Dillon and Andrea Rattray, Nathan Rattray, Thomas and Erik Radley, Dana Schlauwitz, Emma and Tasha Herbison; and one great, great grandchild Sophia Rattray.

Wilbert’s memorial service will be held on July 17, 2015 in the Vernon B.C. area, where his ashes will be interred beside his loving wife in the Vernon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to the gospel mission of your choice.

Wilbert Hoffman memorial to be held July 17, 2015 Vernon, B.C.

1100 A.M.—graveside service 4311 Pleasant Valley Rd. Vernon Municipal/Pleasant Valley Cemetary.

Lunch to follow at 4303 Pleasant Valley Rd

A Pancake Breakfast will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 9:00 am at the Riverside RV Park, 112 Kildorian Ave. Enderby, BC.

Please RSVP July 1, 2015

604-792-1217