September 20, 1941 - October 19, 2016
A true Nevadan, William J. “Bill” Hoffman was born Sept. 20, 1941 in Battle Mountain in the Battle Born State of Nevada, and died October 19 in the state’s capital city. A longtime resident of Carson City, Bill was proud of his status as a fourth generation Nevadan who was able to see his family grow to a total of seven generations.
The oldest of five boys, Bill graduated in 1959 from high school in Salmon, Idaho. He met and married his sweetheart, Virginia “Puj” Chambers in Carson City in 1962, and recently celebrated their 54th anniversary.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Ruth Hoffman of Elko, and brothers Howard W. “Butch” Hoffman of Reno, and Robert D. Hoffman of Roseville, CA.
He is survived by his wife Puj Chambers Hoffman, daughters Hallie Murphy (Brent) of Carson City, and Kelli S. Newton (Dennis) of Marshalltown, IA; brothers Mel Hoffman (Dorie) of Gold Canyon, AZ and Lee Hoffman (Lynne) of Elko; grandchildren Todd Parker (Kassie) of Carson City, Chanel Parker, Cameron Murphy (Caitlyn Stephenson) of Battle Mountain, and Alicia Murphy of Carson City; great grandchildren Trinity and Thor Parker of Carson City, Shylee Parker of Marshalltown, IA, Andrew and Elizabeth Murphy of Battle Mountain, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Bill’s 29-year career as a highway engineer for the Nevada Department of Transportation included a work history that shows the diversity of his talent and his passion to gain a wide range of knowledge. After his first job at C.O.D. Garage as a mechanic and station attendant, he joined NDOT, where he started by running the survey crew in Northern Nevada. A man of many talents, he brought accuracy and thoroughness to each task and was known as a meticulous stickler for each detail. He worked in several departments as his knowledge and skills grew, and took part in designing the “Spaghetti Bowl” in Reno, and working in the Construction Contract Department when he retired from NDOT. During his retirement he did contract work for Vali Cooper in California, and was recruited by Harris Construction for NDOT projects in Nevada.
Bill was active in several special interest and service organizations over the years, including Classic Chevys of Reno, originators of Hot August Nights, and the Julia C. Bulette chapter of E. Clampus Vitus. He dreamed of being a pilot and took lessons to earn his private license during the early years of his retirement. He loved working on his truck, and spending time with his friends and family. He looked forward to the Reno Air Races every year during his birthday, and never missed a Nevada Day Parade.
Fittingly, the Celebration of Bill Hoffman’s Life will be held this Nevada Day, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Carson City. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, his family would be honored by a donation to the Columbarium Project at St. Peter’s in memory of Bill.