Dear Gail, Eve, Brian, Brenda and Families:

I and my family are very sad to hear of Henry's passing. I thank Brian for popping into the old Haysboro neighbourhood to let me know. I was very impressed today with the "live" memorial service the family prepared so lovingly. Regardless of Covid, I felt it to be very intimate and heart felt. You all should be very pleased. I am very proud to have had the "Hoffmanns" living next door to me for a number of years. I have thought of, and missed you often. I am still here - nearing 50 years. I had managed to get to Invermere to see the "log cabin". It was a work-in-progress then; but I know they loved being there and I am in awe with what the two of them have accomplished over the years. Brian and Brenda grew up with my children. Simone and Jason. They went to different schools, so most get-togethers were after school or on weekends. We shared a drink or two in the back yard just chatting and catching up on our active lives. Gail and Henry graciously invited me over to meet their friends at special gatherings. Henry was the "driver" on many occasions, when the children were going to an event. For example, taking Brenda and Simone horse jumping near Spruce Meadows. Busy, busy families. Henry was very kind to me - he always seemed to have a nail in his mouth and a hammer in his hand. He came to my rescue on several occasions where that "hammer" came in handy; ie. a break-in of my house; and then he built a spare bedroom in my basement. On another occasion, he helped me empty my deepfreeze, which was a large floor model, after my dear Son had unplugged it to get our cat. You had to be there to appreciate the stench when the lid was lifted. I emptied as Henry carried bags full to the lane - all was lost. We gagged and laughed a lot that day. One Summer, we decided we would have a joint sale in their garage - you know; warm, sunny, lots of people would come. Well, it rained all the days, and the only customers we had were each other - so, I guess we each had some new things? More giggles. There was a trampoline in their back yard, which the children thoroughly enjoyed. And then there were the Samoid dogs - beautiful! I know they had to have been a lot of work just to groom. Pedro, was the first one, as I remember. Henry and Gail were extremely kind to me over the years in many, many ways. He was very generous to help me when I needed some assistance; and always with a smile on his face. And, my goodness sake, by looking at the photos, he had aged very well - looked just a little older; but the same as when I first met him. He and Gail had a beautiful relationship and it was wonderful for all witness.

I have an interesting event to tell you about. On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, I went over to Jason's house for dinner. When I sat own, he asked me, "Do you remember the Hoffmann's phone number?" I asked,"Why?" He replied, "Well, I had a dream last night about Henry. I was in their garage at their house next door with Henry, and we must have been puttering around, and as I was leaving, Henry said to me, "If you ever need anything, be sure to call me at ........ " (Henry rattled off a phone number.) I said to Jason "Good grief, I don't know; but I will check in my old address book and call you when I get home. I took down the telephone number Jason had said. We both thought all this was interesting. Then I went home, checked in my book and sure enough, the phone number Jason gave me from his dream was exactly correct....so I called him. This took both of us a little aback. Then, a few weeks later, I heard of Henry's death on January 20th. I passed the information to Jason and he was stunned, and sad.... Jason and Henry shared the same birthday - October 31st. Jason was my "trick or treat"!

At this time of sorrow, we wish you all comfort and peace in your lives as you adjust to the absence of Henry. May his memory be cherished for all he gave. Keep all your fond memories close to your hearts and enjoy a smile or two.. He will be lovingly watching over you. Give a huge hug to Gail from us. God Bless....... Joyce, Simone and Jason Wright

My condolences to Brian, Eve, Brenda and all the family. I am grateful to have known Henry. His and Gail's big hearts and generosity are an inspiration. Like they did for so many others, Henry and Gail opened their home and hearts to me, when I needed it. I am rebering sitting with Henry in their living room while he listened to my teenage worries and gave me timeless advice, him sneaking puffs from his pipe in the shop, and having breakfasts at Huckleberries.

Brenda, Brian , Eve and all your families our sincerest condolences. We send you many hugs and love as you come to celebrate Henry’s life. We started building our house across the street from Henry and Gail in 1992 and were welcomed with open arms by Henry and Gail. What a joy it has been to have them as neighbours and friends all these years. Henry was always asking if we needed tools or help. We shared many great times together in each other’s homes, annual block parties, chats on the street, theme dinner such as our famous Thai night with Erin and Graham, adventures with the Samoids, many happy hours with great conversations and Henry’s Danish lunches with Danish Aquevit. We had Norwegian Aquevit we brought back from Norway but Henry would have none of that....”It tasted like perfume” he would say. To him Danish Aquevit was the best. We are grateful that we had Henry as our neighbour as long as we did. He was a special person and will be missed.

We send our deepest condolences to the Hoffmann family at the loss of our dear friend Henry.

Our family bonded with Henry and Gail over puppies, Carrara wanted one of those beautiful Samoyed puppies so we would go and visit often to bond with the puppies and that started our friendship with Henry and Gail. They became such dear friends that we asked them to be our Canadian God Parents to Carrara and Chance. Henry was the sweetest man, I so enjoyed

our walks with the dogs and our talks. Their home was always a warm inviting place, so much so that when our dog Melody ran away from home we knew where to go and find her, in the back yard at Gail and Henry’s, playing with her brother Pasha. There is so much to be said about Henry's kindness, his generosity and charity work for the community, both Gail and Henry made such a difference in so many lives, including ours. I have missed Henry & Gail ever since we moved away to California, I had always hoped I would get back to visit. I am heartbroken I never got to see Henry again. He was a beautiful light in my life. Love You Henry we were so blessed having known you. All Our Love, Tara, Barry and Chance Onody

Carrara Cooke-Onody has posted a new photo on the tribute to Aksel “Henry” HOFFMANN.

"My love and sympathy to you all during this time, Henry was such a good man and really made an impact in my life. Henry features so much in memories of my childhood, whether it was sledding with the sammy’s on the lake in a sleigh he built himself, him showing me around his workshop on one of my many random stop-by visits, and even the time he very bravely ate a vampire shaped birthday cake I made for him when I was 9 or 10 (I think). After I moved away when I was a teenager and would come back to visit, I always knew I had a safe place to stay with Gail & Henry. Wonderful Henry even drove out to Calgary to pick me up from the airport. The picture is from the road trip my husband and I took after we got engaged so that I could introduce him to my Canadian family, Henry made sure he had some Aquavit before our visit was over. I am so thankful to have known Henry, I loved him very much."

Henry and Gail have been a big part of my life since 2004 , where I was lucky enough to have met them . I looked at them as more than just friends, but family. They have been there for me through many of my adventures (the great,good,bad and sad) they listened and supported me no matter what-whether it was regarding my education,career, my heart or my

Dreams. The two of them are the definition for a heart of gold.

One of my favorite memories is getting to help Henry with rebuilding the back deck of their home, being able to learn and enjoy their company at the same time.

I am very lucky to have had the honor of having Henry as a friend. I give my deepest condolences to all of Henry's family and friends. I know we will miss him dearly. <3