Lorne "Boola" Hofmann

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lorne “Boola” Hofmann on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Boola passed away peacefully at home with his wife Karen by his side, following a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Cumberland, BC, to Oscar and Mildred Hofmann, Boola was raised in Bevan before moving into Cumberland in his early teens. He was predeceased by his parents and his "other brother," Sam Hoffeinz.

Boola leaves behind Karen, his loving wife of 59 years; his children Raymond (Vicky) and Lonnie (Shub); grandchildren Brayden (Michelle), Emily, and Kaelen; and great-grandchildren Ben and Ragnar. He is also survived by his brother Donnie (Elaine) Hofmann, sister Marlene (Al) Haskins, and many nieces and nephews.

A friend to many, Boola lived a life filled with sports, camping, hunting, fishing, travelling, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends. He started logging after high school and commercial fished out of Deep Bay during shutdowns. After marrying Karen in 1966 and starting a family, he worked for Cablenet until an injury led to an early retirement. This allowed Boola the time to live his life to the fullest. A gifted athlete, he spent years playing competitive basketball, soccer, hockey, and baseball. Fastball was his true passion, which garnered him many awards and led him to the Western Canadians in the Masters category.

An avid outdoorsman, Boola cherished hunting trips with his buddies up Comox Lake and throughout B.C., including his highly anticipated annual trips to Greenwood, where a lifetime of memories were made. His commercial fishing days led to a lifelong love for the sport, with many summers spent in Deep Bay, and on local lakes and rivers. Later in life, he picked up a guiding job in Nootka with his cousins, the Frames, while Karen cooked and cleaned.

Camping was a highlight of the Hofmann family life. Whether they were touring B.C. in the camper or spending time at the family cabin on Comox Lake, Boola was in his element. It was here that he loved passing on his knowledge of fishing and hunting to all the kids and, as Squiltz would say, “Boola knows.”

Boola was also a dedicated volunteer who wore many hats over the years: ball coach, Kinsmen member, Recreation Committee member, and a part of the Cumberland Empire and May Day committees. He finished his long "volunteer career" with the Cumberland Legion. His love for travel included chasing the sun, especially to Indio, California.

Boola led an amazing, fulfilled 83 years with no regrets. If you knew him, you will never forget his laugh. Even throughout his final ordeal, when asked how he was, his answer was always the same: “I’m fine.”

As requested, there will be no service. In his honour, please have a beer for Boola!

The family wishes to thank the many doctors, nurses, home support workers, and first responders—especially Kent, Laurie, and Practitioner Quin.