HOFF: Alex passed peacefully, at home with family members by his side on Thursday morning, May 31, 2012 just one month shy of his 95th birthday. He was born Alexander Ralph Hoff on June 30, 1917 to his parents, Matthias and Margaretta Hoff, in New Salem, North Dakota. He grew up the second youngest of nine children in a German farming community where he learned his strong work ethic. At age 16 he relocated to Montana where he worked at various agricultural jobs and met the love of his life, Helen Meyer. They were married in Helena, Montana on September 26, 1940. Their 3 children, Berniece, Steven and Margaret, were all born in Emmett, Idaho. Throughout his life, Alex had many interesting jobs, some of which were farmer, miner, milkman, ranch hand and ranch foreman but he was always a cowboy. In 1963 he became employed by the J.R. Simplot Company, where his leadership skills were recognized and he rose through the ranks quickly from feed truck driver, to farm foreman to feedlot manager. He was given the directive to move to Carberry, Manitoba in 1965, buy land and start Carberry Feeders Ltd. which he ran until his retirement in 1980. He was self taught in auto mechanics, welding and animal husbandry. Some of his recreation activities were hunting, fishing and camping. Alex and Helen enjoyed a variety of social activities in service clubs like the Knights of Columbus and the Elks/Royal Purple, particularly dances where they could be seen doing a mean fox trot. Their favorite holidays were spent motoring to visit their daughter, Berniece and her family of 4 in Louisiana or many siblings, nieces and nephews in Iowa, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, California and Oregon. Alex and Helen believed in staying active and they would swim regularly in Brandon enjoying a whole new set of friends. When Helen contracted cancer, Alex nursed her and was by her side until she passed away in 1986. Alex remarried Olive Stephanson who taught him to golf and appreciate curling. All too soon, Olive was diagnosed with cancer and Alex resumed his compassionate role as caregiver. After Olive's passing, Alex continued to enjoy golf with his buddies from then until the end of last season at age 94. He maintained his gym membership well into his late 80s. Always a believer that one should take care of his body he would walk, bike and exercise but he would never pass up a drink of good whiskey. His wives prepared Alex well to be self sufficient but that wasn't enough. He taught himself how to improve their recipes and bake better chocolate chip cookies, flaky biscuits and German Christmas cookies which he delightfully gave as gifts. Alex continued to travel visiting American and Canadian family. He bought a small motor bike for the fun of it in his 80s and much to the family's relief later traded it for a 4 wheel scooter. He was a familiar sight tootling around town in his deluxe buggy with canopy and windshield, giving him the independence he so loved. He surrounded himself with his family and Carberry friends, taught his great great grandchildren all the tricks, stories and songs he had in his repertoire and he carried on independently until the last month of life.

Left to mourn his passing are daughter: Berniece (Joe) Verduzco, son: Steven (Shirley) Hoff, daughter: Margaret (Joe) Lafreniere; grandchildren: Rebecca (Armando) Mendevil, Patricia (Paul) Adams, Michael Savell, Elaine (Stephen) Scott, Christine (Bob) Robinson, Harry (Nancy) Hoff, Julie Lafreniere, Katie (Mike) Vercillo and David Lafreniere; great grandchildren: Beau Savell; Michael Katawar; Mark Savell; Steven and Sara Scott; Paul Adam; Heather (Reuben) Doerksen; Tiffany Robinson; Clara, Lucy and Anna Hoff; Austin Lafreniere; great great grandchildren: Beau Jr. Gillies, Alexis and Connor Doerksen; sister-in-law: Clementine Hoff and many loving nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to name. Alex is predeceased by his parents, 8 siblings and spouses, 11 in-law relations and spouses, and many nieces and nephews.

Alex lived an epic life. Anyone who knew him was touched by his friendliness, his quick wit, and his gratitude of life. Alex would break into songs in German or English, recite poetry from his childhood, and tease mercilessly. All children were taught a variety of songs with questionable lyrics. Underlying his keen sense of fun and love of people, was his love of God. He was a faith filled man and instilled that into his children. Sunday Mass was only missed if he was ill. He modeled his faith to all by his compassion and generosity. As he was blessed in life, he was blessed in death. Alex's passing leaves a hole in the hearts of those who love him and he will be missed by many.

Prayers were said at Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, Carberry, Manitoba on Sunday, June 3, 2012. Funeral Mass was held on Monday, June 4, 2012 also at the Church. Celebrant was Rev. Fr. Michael Raj Savarimuthu. Interment followed at the Carberry Plains Cemetery.