Tribute

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