Obituary of Harvey Hoff

Harvey Hoff passed away in the presence of his loving family on March 11, 2014. He was known for his wonderful gift of humor, his entrepreneurial spirit, his humble nature and his great love for his family, friends, fishing, hunting, skiing and generally anything outdoors. He was loved and respected by the many who learned, laughed, worked, and lived with him. Born on April 13, 1933 in Ontario, Oregon, Harvey moved with his family as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC's) dictated; Riggins, McCall, Shoshone, Hagerman, Idaho, Ironside, Oregon and finally at the end of the depression to Caldwell, Idaho where his father, Harvey O. Hoff started the Hoff Building Supply Company. He attended school in Caldwell forming lifelong friends, with his many summers working at his Dad's store and the Hoff sawmill in Horseshoe Bend, ultimately graduating as Class President. He was also active in scouting, attaining a BSA Life Scout status and Patrol Leader. He attended the University of Idaho and joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity, later becoming President of the fraternity. He was a member of the U of I Ski Team while studying business and forestry during which time he met, dated, and later married his first wife, Barbara Taylor. He also participated in the Navy/Marine reserve unit and became Unity Commander. Korea was just heating up so after graduation from business school he opted to become a Marine Officer candidate. He and Barbara moved to Quantico, Virginia for Officers school then to Fort Sill, Oklahoma and on to Camp Pendleton, California to become part of 1st Marine Division. His battalion was on its way to Korea, but the war ended while he was en route so he returned to Camp Pendleton where his first child, Eric, was born. As a new dad, he elected to go to inactive duty and moved to Westinghouse on the REC project as an expeditor. It was in Idaho Falls where his children, Brian and Kristin, were born. When the family business in Caldwell called, he responded and worked for the next four years with his Dad, while continuing duty with a Marine Tank Battalion and spending considerable time at Camp Pendleton. He left active duty having earned the rank of Captain and restarted his career with Boise Cascade in Layton, Utah. His career flourished with many promotions and moves across the Northwest to help improve and grow some of their building material operations and eventually moving to the Boise headquarters as District Manager. During this transition, Harvey and Barbara divorced after the painful loss of their oldest son, Eric. It was then that a favorite uncle, Ted "Bun" Hoff, asked Harvey to take over as the fourth generation Hoff to lead Hoff Companies. This suited his entrepreneurial spirit perfectly and with the current team in place, coupled with the addition of some other people and a Board of good Advisors, he was able to lead the company out of a difficult situation. He was traveling a lot when he met his future (and current) wife, Sherry, who was working at the airport. Together they raised her children, Justin and Heather, and enjoyed a marriage of 30 years. During his leadership, Hoff Companies weathered severe economic conditions along with periods of strong growth, and it continued to evolve as it had for many years. He led the renovation of the Hotel Boise into the Hoff Building and the conversion of an Eagle acreage into a successful residential development known as Banbury. Later, with a partner, Banbury Meadows Subdivision and golf course were developed. Hoff Companies transitioned to current conditions with the sale of the retail lumber yards, sawmills, and eventually the moulding plants known as Hoff Forest Products. As parts of the Company contracted, other parts were expanding that exist today as Trimco Millwork, Western Window, Hoff Timber & Land, and Banbury. He was proud of turning the reins over to his son Brian when he "retired", making it a successful 5th generation family owned company that began in McCall over 100 years ago. Harvey is survived by his wife, Sherry Hoff and her children, Justin Harvey (Mai-Britt) and Heather Asmussen (Steve) and their children, Kaleb, Gabe, and Asher; his children, Brian Hoff (Karen Bare Hoff); and Kristin Hoff Sinclair (Walt Sinclair); his grandchildren, Charlie Hoff and Sam Sarbacher; his nephew, Paul Hoff; and his nieces, Allison Hoff and Julie Haughey. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Taylor; his son, Eric Hoff; his brother, Julian "Buz" Hoff; his parents, Harvey O. Hoff and Helen Boraas Kuethe; and many, many friends. A graveside memorial service will be held for Harvey at 3:00 pm, Thursday, March 20, 2014 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, Boise. A Celebration of his Life will follow from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm, at the Banbury Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Caldwell High School Class of '51 Scholarship, 1803 Ellis Ave, Caldwell, Idaho 83605; the Boone Bartlome Donation Account at any US Bank; or a charity of your choice. Harvey lived well, with distinction, honor, and grace. We will all miss him very, very much! Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Harvey's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.