Henry John Hoffman

Henry John Hoffman, 77, of Baker City, died Jan. 26 at St. Elizabeth Health Services. His memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. in Baker City.

Henry was born Dec. 31, 1931, to Charles Reuben and Dorothy Irene Phell Hoffman at the "Lone Tree" near La Grande after they failed to make it to the hospital in time for the birth. He attended school in Cove.

He and his wife, Ervina, had six children: four sons and two daughters. One of his brothers died at the age of 2. He also had four other brothers and three sisters.

It was said that when he was young, he used to eat watermelons fresh out of the fields with his brothers. It was the only time watermelon was worth eating, according to Henry.

He always enjoyed playing with his cars and was a great mechanic. Even if he had to "monkey rig" things, they always seemed to work, family members said.

When his children were young, Henry worked as a lumberjack, bumping knots.

He loved the outdoors and would just walk around and enjoy nature. Henry always watched everyone and was quite at peace with his surroundings, and he always had a big hug for his grandchildren. Those who knew him say he loved having his family around and was never fond of goodbyes.

Survivors include his wife, Ervina Hoffman of Baker City; sons, Charles of Baker City, John and his wife, Linda, of Wyoming, Lewis and his wife, Kathy, of Baker City and Jeffery of Wyoming; daughters, Leila Baggerly and her husband, Mark, of Baker City and Theresa Haynes and her husband, Harold, of Rupert, Idaho; four brothers, Eugene, Edward, Melvin and Larry; three sisters, Mae Sidley, Marjorie Cunningham and Marion Crevier; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy; and an infant brother, Walter.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City 97814.

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