Anthony John Hoffman
March 04, 1956 - July 11, 2004
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Anthony John Hoffman
March 04, 1956 - July 11, 2004
Obituary
Anthony J. Hoffman, III passed away suddenly due to heart failure on Sunday, July 11, 2004 at a favorite beach near his home in Mission Viejo, California. AJ was a world renowned expert on antique locks and the history of interchangeable core cylinders and key systems. Fluent in six languages, AJ was also an accomplished linguist and musician, singing tenor and providing pronunciation guidance for Pacific Chorale, one of America’s most respected and accomplished professional choruses. He is survived by his wife Vivian.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Sunday, July 18th, 2004 at:
O?Connor Mortuary
25301 Alicia Pkwy
Laguna Hills, CA
Tel: 949-581-4300
A reception will follow.
There will also be a memorial service at the Associated Locksmiths of America ALOA Convention the following week.
The funeral and memorial will be a causal gathering to create a mosaic of memories of AJ’s life. If you have a memory that you would like to be part of the ceremony and cannot attend, feel free to send it via email to vivhoffman@aol.com or use the guest register at www.XAA1.com
In lieu of flowers, Vivian would like to establish a scholarship fund to pass on AJ’s passion for locks and his love of learning to the next generation. Donations can be sent to
ALOA Scholarship Foundation
AJ Hoffman Memorial Education Fund
3003 Live Oak Street
Dallas, TX 75204
If you are using a check, please make it payable to the ALOA Scholarship Fund and add a memo on the check indicating that it is for the AJ Hoffman CML Memorial Education Fund. Information about the fund will be available in ALOA’s keynotes magazine.
38 responses to Anthony John Hoffman
Greg Bucur says:
July 17, 2004
Undoubtedly I turned out this way in part for having been in a small circle of people: AJ, Patti, Liz, Sandy, Badge and, well, AJ, during high school. I found that life was really about making friends outside my own school, outside my own world of solitude and relative calm. It started with someone named Patti, through whom I met a zany character named AJ. Life as I knew it was changed forever. Utter insanity took on new meaning. I learned what it really meant to have fun, often beyond the comprehension of “normal” people. Over the years we played, learned, cried, laughed howled, traveled, grew older but never really quite grew up. Now we reach a major turning point. I ask the same question many others ask: what will life be like without AJ? The answer is, he may be gone from this earth, but truly lives on in our hearts. Aren’t we ALL who we are, at least in part, because of AJ? Face it, you are a better person for having known him. Thanks old friend. Thanks for everything!
Helen Ennis says:
July 17, 2004
I was introduced to A.J. by a mutual friend several years ago. He not only shared his knowledge of hardware but the gift of being an understanding and loving friend.
We often kidded about the southern slang?
Miss Ya My Friend
John C. Anderson says:
July 17, 2004
I met A. J. when he had some comments about my Ebay bidding in 2001. That wonderful unfinished discussion opened a dialog that continued for the rest of his life. We “talked” via email and phone from time to time. I was able to welcome him to my home in the course of our collecting activities. It became clear that I was working with a very special person. I knew I was dealing with a “pro”. A. J. was there for me when I had to specify the lock system for our new office and operations building. I got good advice. Thanks A.J.
He has contributed much to the locksmith profession and the protection of its history. We all miss his presence. There is a void in our world that will not be quickly filled. It will take the efforts of many of us to begin to replace the energy that A. J. added to the room. Of course A. J. and his personal touch can never be replaced. In his honor we will continue to collect and do our best to preserve the special moments in time that we as collectors look for.
I add my words to celebrate my time with A. J. I’ll miss him but I also know he added much to my life and that addition will never be lost.
Paul M. Glady says:
July 17, 2004
A.J. and I met around 1970. I was working as an office manager and learning the locksmith business in my spare time. A.J. was a kid in high school with a passion for locks and collecting.
This dedicatated and very intelligent young man and I became friends never knowing that I would be in the business for over 30 years and he would become one of the country’s most highly regarded locksmith professionals and collector.
In the many hours we spent together exploring the unknown and sharing knowledge, at some point he became the teacher and has been a valuable resource for me ever since.
His great sense of humor was a bonus. We always kept each other laughing with our jokes, ad libs, puns and one liners.
I will miss A.J. not only for the help he gave me, but as a good friend.
My only consolation is that some day we will meet again on the other side.
Ruth Davis says:
July 17, 2004
AJ – one of my first ALOA acquaintances who soon became a dear friend. I will always recall, with fond memories, the delightful conversations we enjoyed, rarely venturing into the world of keys and locks, but sharing the various adventures and experiences of our individual lives. You always intrigued me, with your diverse interests and striking accomplishments. Our world has been robbed by your early and sudden death and I will miss you dearly.
Vivian – I am so sorry for the loss of AJ’s life. I realize that words are inadequate to express the pain that is felt or relay the comfort that is needed. So, let me say that I am simply a phone call away, and please reach out anytime you want someone to listen. I have enjoyed the time that we spent together, at your house and at the ALOA show, and look forward to our next visit.
Forever your friend, Ruth