If you are reading this, although sudden, I must have closed my eyes for the last time.
I am on to a new journey, one with joy and love and reunions with loved ones. I was born 39 years ago to my parents Gerald and Suzanna Hoffman, in Wheeling, IL and I have lived in this beautiful valley for seven years.
I can say that my life has been a wonderful journey, even though it has not always turned out as I envisioned it would. It has been filled with love and beauty but balanced with lessons, mostly joyful ones and sometimes painful, that life brings each of us to grow and learn.
I shared the last five years of my life with Cathy, my babe, my wife and my partner. I couldn't have asked for a more cherished lover, friend and companion to experience this life with. Our life together has been full, not always a rosy picture of bliss, but very rich and full. Most importantly I couldn't have asked for a more loving woman to be the mother of our child and I couldn't have asked for a better partner. I have found out how strong and powerful a man truly is when you are brave enough to be caring and compassionate. We had such fun together. sweetheart, go now and have some fun for yourself. Those of you who love Cathy and care for her, help her now to move on without me.
The most important thing that Cathy and I did in our lives was to bring our child, Caitlin into this world. Words cannot describe the joy in my heart when I think of her. I am a lucky man to have such a loving, caring, beautiful daughter. She is the light of my life. It seems like just yesterday, not five years ago, that she was born. Caitlin, I'm flying with Grandma Sue and Grandpa Gerry and we will always be with you.
Caitlin, I will miss swimming with you and fishing with you. Although I will be there in spirit, I will miss not personally intimidating your future boyfriends and walking you down the wedding aisle.
To all my dear friends everywhere, please watch over my older brothers Lenny (Captain Large), Kurt and my younger sisters Noreen and Shiela and please watch over my three nephews Michael, Raymond and Alex. God be with you Craig and Jack and please take care of my sisters. Also, watch over my in- laws, Thomas and Mathilda Mandaville, my brother in-law and his wife, Michael and Katherine Mandaville and their children Julia and Johnny and my friend Nalaka. I will miss you all.
I have asked my wife and daughter to celebrate my life with an Irish wake. I want my friends to gather and enjoy a good party.
Regarding flowers...please don't. It is such a waste and we need to learn to show our love for our family and friends while they are alive, not after they are dead. Instead of sending flowers, come to my wake and celebration and be with my wife and daughter. If you want to do something more, then make a donation to the charity of your choice or better yet, take the money you would have spent on flowers and take your mother, father or friend to lunch and tell them that you love them. Send a note to Cathy and Caitlin and tell them that you did it. That would be a nice memory to me.
I am on to a new journey now...wish me God speed...I am dancing with the angels!
Patrick G. Hoffman died on his way to work Monday morning, December 4th, 2000, after leaving his home and kissing his wife and daughter goodbye.
Patrick G. Hoffman's visitation will be held Thursday, December 7th from 6 to 8 p.m. with prayer service at 7 p.m. at Memorial Mortuary, 5850 South, 900 East, Salt Lake City. The funeral celebration of Patrick G. Hoffman's life, will take place on Friday, December 8th at 11 am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 9757 South 1700 East, Sandy, UT. Following the Mass, there will be a Grave side Service at Lakehills Memorial Estates, 10055 South State, Sandy, UT.
After services, there will be an Irish Wake for his friends to celebrate his life.