This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/JW.2ADE/8339 Message Board Post: Daily Independent newspaper Ridgecrest Ca Kern County May 29, 2005 RICHARD A. "RICK" HOFFMAN 1969-2005 Richard A. "Rick" Hoffman passed away at the City of Hope in Duarte on May 26, 2005, surrounded by family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers. He was 35. Funeral services will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, June 4 at the Desert Christian Center. He was born June 12, 1969 the son of Mary Ann Hoffman and the late Rev. Robert Hoffman, both of Ridgecrest. His family says this about him "Some of you knew Rick Hoffman as a youth leader, teacher friend or coworker. Some may have simply know (sic) him as Rick, but Hoffman was recognized best in uniform as a Field Training Officer for the China Lake Police Department. "He was a member of an elite fraternity of individuals who come togeth with a common goal, 'To Serve and Protect.' Officer Hoffman was always there, day in and day out, putting in on the line night and day to serve the community he loved. "While most people were asleep, Rick was there, giving his all to ensure the nights were peaceful. Through the rai, wind, blowing sand, winter cold and the summer heat you could count on Rick to respond to any cry for help, with pride in his profession and compassion for everyone. "Rick was a protector, a dear friend, an uncle, a brother and a son who will be deeply and greatly missed." A relief fund account has been established in Rick's name at the AltaOne Federal Credit Union. Anyone wishing to make donations to help offset costs incurred by the Hoffman family may do so at any AltaOne location. Media information provided by the family. Daily Independent newspaper Ridgecrest CA June 1, 2005 Visitation to be held for Officer Visitation will be held at Holland & Lyons Chapel on Thursday, June 2, at 3 pm for former China Lake Police Officer Rick Hoffman, who succumbed to an illness at City of Hope on Friday. Daily Independent newspaper Ridgecrest Ca June 1, 2005 Setting the Record The photographs of the police procession for Officer Rick Hoffman was incorrectly credited in the Tuesday May 31, 2005 edition of the Daily Independent. The photographs were contrictuted by J Haccou. Daily Independent newspaper Ridgecrest CA June 2, 2005 RICHARD ANDREW HOFFMAN Born: June 12, 1969 in New Rochelle, NY Parents: Rev. Robert & Mary Ann Hoffman Funeral: 3 pm Saturday June 4th at Desert Christian Center Viewing: Thursday from 3pm - 5pm and Friday 5pm - 7pm at Holland & Lyons. Rick went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 26, 2005 after a 16 plus year battle with bone marrow problems resulting in low blood and platelet counts. He died from complications after a stem cell transplant. Rick's life of 35 years was full of love, caring, giving and concern for others. He brought many people to know and love Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. He touched the hearts and lives of everyone he came in contact with. Rick's grade school eyars were spent in Lutheran schools in New York City, Santa Ana, Ca and finally at Ridgecrest Christian School where he graduated as Valedictorian of his calss in 1984. He went to Burroughts High School where his main love was Auto Shop. He was on the Burros Swim Team and graduated from Burros in 1987. After 2 years he graduated with an AA degree from Cerro Coso College in 1989 and followed his childhood dream of being a police officer by getting his Criminal Justice Degree (BS) from the University of California at Bakersfield. Rick then attended and graduated from the Police Academy in Bakersfield and became a Kern County Reserve Sherrif's Deputy for 5 years. Rick worked as a couselor at Camp Owens, Kernville and in the Probation Department in Ridgecrest. As a long term substitute teacher of Criminal Justice R.O.P. at Burroughs High School Rick continued working with young people. He joined the China Lake Police Department seven years ago and became their Field Training Officer, training recruits and new hires in the basics of police work: CPR, First Aid, defensive tactics and firearms training. Rick saved two people's lives using CPR. Rick has been a youth leader for many years at Desert Christian Center, where he was able to befriend, counsel and minister to young people and their many needs and concerns. His practical and Christ-centered counsel touched the lives of all ages. Rick was a part of a Mission team from Desert Christian Center that went to Haiti in August 2001. They helped build a school, ministered to the children in Vacation Bible School as well as ministering to the adults. Rick and other team members said they were more blessed than the Haitians. Rick is survived by his mother Mary Ann Hoffman, brother Robert and wife Amy, nieces Kayli, Emily and Natalie, nephew Boaz, Uncle Bob Stark and wife Carolyn of Ridgecrest, Uncle Bill Start (sic) and wife Susan of Sylmar, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Rev. Robert A. Hoffman and grandparents Wilbur and Mary Stark.