Maurice Anthony Hoffman, of Lewiston, passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a slow but fatal lung disease. He was 74.
Maury was born Dec. 6, 1942, in Lewiston. He was the oldest of 10 children of Maurice R. and Marguerite H. Hoffman. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1960. He then went on to attend the University of Idaho and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. Through a scholarship from Bell Telephone Laboratories, he continued his graduate school education at MIT in Boston. His favorite line he would share about his experience at MIT was the slogan, "Eat, sleep, study pick two."
After graduating with a master's degree, he moved to New Jersey, where he worked for Bell Labs. He married Eileen M. Martine on Sept. 2, 1967, in Avenel, N.J. In 1969 the couple moved to Boulder, Colo., where he continued to work for Bell Labs as it transformed to AT&T and then Lucent Technologies, serving in a variety of engineering and management roles.
He had two daughters, Susan Andria in 1973 and Kathleen Elana in 1976. Maury was a loving, generous and devoted father, spending much of his time helping with school projects, homework and attending and videotaping every school performance. He also was a talented woodworker and spent many hours in his workshop. There wasn't anything he couldn't make or fix.
Maury and Eileen retired in 1999 and moved to Coeur d'Alene to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and a little boating. They enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and hosting deck parties. Maury volunteered as a math tutor for North Idaho College, where he was named Tutor of the Year. Eileen passed away from lung cancer in 2008. Maury eventually reconnected with an elementary school classmate, Mary Catherine Bauman, and moved to Lewiston in 2011. He and Mary loved to attend class gatherings and enjoyed each other's company. He had two grandchildren, Joshua and Hazel.
Maury had a love of learning that influenced others in many ways. He inspired us all to think, be challenged and to further our own education. It was very important to him that you used your talents and intelligence. He had little patience for those who wasted those talents but would be ever supportive of those who challenged themselves. Maury's parting words were usually, "Be good." His family and friends will strive to do so in honor of his memory.
A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Quality Inn in Clarkston.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Wednesday, December 28, 1:00 PM
- Location
-
Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center
700 Port Drive
Clarkston, Washington 99403
Get Directions - Additional Details
- Service will be from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
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