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John Hofman
August 24, 1961 - January 12, 2022
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John Gerald Hofman peacefully passed away at home in Oliver on Wednesday January 12th at the age of 60.
John is survived by his loving 2nd wife, Stephanie of 6 years and her daughter Alicia Ewashko of Alberta; his daughter Korreli Dawn Brant of Ontario; his son Travis John Hofman of Oliver;
and two Granddaughters Lexi and Lily Brant of Ontario.
He leaves behind 3 nieces, Krista (Tyler Hyde, Kienna and Kingston of Sicamous) Vanessa Hofman of Kelowna and Raeleen Hofman of Penticton; one nephew, Dexter Makortoff.
John also leaves his mother Rulie Hofman of Penticton, his only sister, Ramona of Penticton and his brother Jack of Penticton.
He was predeceased by his father Sam Hofman in July 1999, his younger brother Eric in 2008 and his older brother Harold in 2016.
John Hofman was born in Fort St. John on August 24th,1961. He was raised on a 960 acre family farm with good work ethics and values.
At the age of 12, he worked at a truck stop fueling up big rigs, saving enough to buy his first Ford truck by the time he was 16.
This should be no surprise to anyone who knew him, as John was indeed a “Ford Guy”.
The family moved to the Oliver in July 1978, where John attended high school, and got the nickname “BONES”.
Schoolmates said it was because he looked like the guy from the movie “Gator”, where the character hit his chest and said “Me Bones”.
John graduated in 1980 with a passion for mechanics. He obtained work at the gas station on highway 97 (now known as Oliver Car Wash).
It was then, he met his wife Lila, who (also from Fort St.John) worked for her aunt and uncle at Joy’s Grocery next door.
They married in 1983, and upon the arrival of their two children, John decided he wanted to secure his family’s future.
He proceeded to rent a shop on Sawmill Road and it was then that “Big John’s Auto Repair” opened its doors.
John worked hard and was soon able to purchase some land by the river where he designed and built a 4-bay shop.
John worked hard and played just as hard. He was a huge outdoor enthusiast – camping, fishing, quadding and sledding were a few of his favorites.
He believed in fun at full speed and was always at the front of the pack.
After a long battle with cancer, Lila passed away in 2010. John went on to meet Stephanie and they got married in September 2015 .
John worked as a mechanic for over 40 years, and after running a successful business (Integra Tire & Auto Centre), decided it was time to retire in 2020.
He wanted to spend the rest of his time he had left with his wife and the life they had built. He visited his daughter and his grandchildren in Ontario,
John loved showing off for his son’s class up at the high school, and looked forward to enjoying the rest of this beautiful world with his friends on any motor-powered device he could get his hands on.
Dear John, you left us way too soon. Your sharp wit will be missed. Please take our love with you.
It was John’s request that no service be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family would rather a donation be made to Oliver Search and Rescue, who was a huge part of John’s life.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Condolences
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From: Janey Ella Ziprick
Rulie.I am so sorry to hear that your son John has died.
May you and your family find comfort in your faith and knowing John is at peace.
God Bless you and your family.
Janey
From: Craig Johnson
Relation: Friend
Growing up in Oliver, attending the school Lila worked at and being in the same grade as their Son Travis was a darn good chance to get to know Big John!
I always remember being a little guy and John making jokes and grunting loud like chewy on Star Wars 🙂 Hanging out at the Hofman’s always had laughs when John was around. All of any time spent with John was good! Always a laugh, good story or a nice drink. The company was always appreciated, many great times were had! John was a very nice man! He loved having fun and going fast. It is so very sad to see you go this early Big Guy!! You will be missed, thanks for all the laughs! Rest easy 🙏
From: Joyce Kuzyk
Relation: Friend and mechanic who serviced my vehicle for many years.
John was one of the most friendly, hard-working and honest people that I have known. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friends. I know they will miss him deeply.
From: Debbie (Boisclair)McGuire
Relation: family friend
Taken too young and too soon. I knew John for many years. I worked with his mom at McGowan’s for many years. He was my mechanic as well.
May you rest in peace now John
From: Dan Tellier
Relation: His car guy
John was an amazing all around man to deal with. He always had made me laugh with hit quick wit. My heart is with his family and friends, he defiantly was taken way too early
From: Ed & Mickie Schmalz
Relation: Customer/Friend
Mickie and I would like to express our deep sympathy to the family regarding your loss. It has been a big shock. John was a well loved and respected man. May God bless and comfort his family.
From: John and Anne Kiss
Relation: Friend through his accupation.
” BIG JOHN ” serviced our 64 CHEVELLE conscientiously for close to 30 years. Rest in peace John. Our heartfelt condolences to the family.
From: Greg Smith Nieves Windley and Josh
Relation: Friend and colleague of his son Travis and his late wife Lila.
Thinking of the bereaved family with sympathy at this trying times. John’s loving memories will be in our hearts and thoughts forever. John and Lila will always and forever in our hearts. Rest In Peace John. Thank you for all your help over the years for fixing our cars whenever it needed to be done. You were always there ready to help. I just can’t begin to imagine how your mom is feeling for I understand you are the third one for her to say goodbye to. A heartfelt condolences to all your family.
From: Eize & Siepie Weima - Van Der Leest
Relation: Cousin from friesland (Holland)
We have never known or seen John, but we have heard enough stories from his mother, our tante (aunt) Roelie. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Eize, Siepie, children and grandchildren
From: Audrey and Mark Silbernagel
Relation: SOSS - same era, town, Integra
Such sad news. Memories from our youth and SOSS. Our condolences to all John’s family and friends.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
In lieu of flowers, the family would rather a donation be made to Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue: https://www.oosar.ca/ who was a huge part of John’s life.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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