Obituary of Gerhard (Gerry) Karl HOFMANN

October 19, 1947 – Munchberg, Germany
February 4, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Gerry Hofmann, beloved husband of Marion Hofmann (nee Hunter), of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully and suddenly on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at the age of 73 years.

Gerry was born in Munchberg, Germany, on October 19, 1947. He immigrated to Canada in 1952, with his parents and grew up in Richmond Hill, ON.

Gerry had a lifelong love of travel, history and geography, and saw much of the world. It was during these travels that he saw and subsequently followed Marion’s bum (as he always told us) into a life of joy and never-ending wonder. They married in 1975, and began a life blessed by the magic of laughing together every day. The greatest joys in his life came with his kids, Sara, Anna and Erik; and he became the family storyteller, bread baker, wonder maker, truthsayer, nature guide and most loved father of all time.

Gerry’s degree in Geography led to his dream job at Geotech in Prince George, B.C.; combining the need to earn a living with his love for nature and rocks, yes, rocks. It was while working for Geotech that Gerry famously discovered the obscure Nimpo Bird and Caribou monkeys, and developed many unique ways of scaring off bears. Marion and Gerry spent over twenty years in Prince George, before moving to Calgary, AB, to be with their grandchildren, William, Benjamin, and Ella (Anna and Mike) and Sebastian and Stella (Sara and Shane).

Capturing his essence on paper is almost impossible. Gerry had a kind, and gentle nature, and was much loved by friends, co-workers, and pretty much anyone who met him. His sense of humor and fascinating perspectives will carry us all with him into the multiverse, laughing. He was blessed with many good friends who will miss his entertaining stories. And, if anyone needs a comic book or a hockey card let us know.

Besides his loving wife Marion, Gerry is survived by his daughters, Sara (Shane Doherty), and Anna (Mike Grobowsky); and son Erik. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Craig and Laura Hunter and their children in North Vancouver. Gerry was predeceased by his parents, Irmgard and Ernst Hofmann.

If you have a good anecdote, and who doesn’t, the family would be greatly comforted if you would share it with all of us. When we can get together again, there will be a Celebration of Gerry’s wonderful life. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Gerry’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Diabetes Canada, 220, 6223 – 2nd Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 1112, www.diabetes.ca.

In living memory of Gerry Hofmann, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.