John G. Hoffman ’52

A SUPERB ATHLETE, with no history of heart disease, John Griffith Hoffman died of a heart attack in San Francisco Nov. 21, 1993. His memorial service, held at St. Francis Yacht Club, celebrated John's primary interests: the Bay Area, where he lived for 38 years; deep-water sailing; and classical piano literature.

A graduate of St. Paul's School, where he won the Gordon Medal as outstanding athlete, John played baseball, 150-lb. football, and varsity hockey at Princeton. He majored in history; belonged to Ivy Club; and was active in the '21' Club and the Right­Wing Club, of which he was president. Commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the marine corps, John served a three-year tour in the Far East, Hawaii, and Quantico.

John lived his life with gusto and tenderness. He was attracted to commercial real estate, serving last as v.p. of Wahl & Co. He continued his hockey career, skating for I5 years in the Snoopy Senior World Hockey Tournament, most recently with the Boston Moby Dicks. A serious sailor, he crewed in the L.A.-Tahiti race in 1961 and raced for years in the Bay Area. But he also loved Chopin, was a gourmet cook, and delighted in preparing birthday parties for friends' children.

John is survived by his widow, Beverly; a brother, Frank J.; two sisters, Mary Griffis and Virginia Knowlton; and several nieces and nephews. To them, we offer our sincere condolences.