Richard Thomas Hoffman

Born on Pearl Harbor Day, 1938 in Stockton, California, Richard passed away May 23, at his home in Bakersfield. He’d fought a valiant seventeen month fight against brain cancer.

Richard attended Stockton High School and Stockton College. He went on to earn his Bachelors degree at Brooks Institute of Photographic Art and Science fulfilling a teenage dream of becoming a professional photographer. He would often combine these skills to make high quality, aerial photographs of the agricultural development of the Great Central Valley.

Growing up in an agricultural family he worked with his father, Henry Hoffman and his brother Sigel in agricultural pursuits throughout most of his life. For many years he traveled the valley selling seed and managing seed trials for Snow Seed Co. Richard developed a special interest in onions and became an expert in hybridizing and growing onions.

From his teenage years he loved cars and particularly American Hot Rods. His first was a cut down 1929 Ford Roadster running a hopped up Ford V-8. Later on it was 1940 Willys coupe. And later still, a Porsche Speedster. The car he always regretted selling ! The car interest ran deep and he joined the Franklin Syndicate Car Club of Stockton and helped run the weekly Drag Races at the Kingdon Air Strip.

He had a great love for music and animals. His dog “Mac” traveled the valley with him while they both listened to his favorite artist, Walter Trout.

Leaving his Stockton birth place, he moved to Bakersfield where he lived out his life. He is survived by his sister Karen, son Darrell, daughters Lynnette, Danette and his five grandchildren Brittney, Josh, Travis, Gianna, Alexandra and two great grandchildren, Harper and Avery.

Richard was a generous and kind hearted man who was always ready to help his family and friends. We will all miss him very much....

In lieu of flowers please donate to Animal Friends rescue or Wounded Warriors.