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
KIM A. BLAKE says:
July 18, 2004
Very sorry to hear of A.J.’s passing . I will think of him often , we had many of the same interests . KIM
Robert de la Concha Allerton Lock & Safe says:
July 18, 2004
Although A.J. was my brothers friend and fellow lock collector I
had many conversations with this
friendly and brilliant man. I have been a locksmith for 35 years. When
A.J. came to visit me at my shop in
Oct. 2003 I knew I would have to
raise the height bar a few notches.
I thought it was the start of a long relationship but it was not to
be. When he left that day and I
went out to his car to give him
directions out of town I bid him
farewell and a safe journey. Now I
repeat the same wish, farewell
and a safe journey good buddy.
Rob McKenzie says:
July 19, 2004
Met AJ.. in Connecticut 1983 whilst visiting “Tom Hennesy” then curator at American Lock Museum, whilst over there AJ and I spent some time at “Tom’s” home discussing the Lock Trade, lock collecting etc. I found AJ to be a sincere, generous, delightful and knowledgeable person that I had the privledge to meet, thanks for your time AJ, sorry you never enjoyed the “vegemite on toast” from the men downunder.. Rest Peacefully AJ.
Warren Hagman says:
July 20, 2004
Oh AJ, what have you done?
I will miss you my friend, my confidant, my fellow collector. The phone calls, the e-mails, the instant messages. The Mexican dinners with side dishes of Best padlocks with cores to be picked out. The fun of the hunt. E-Bay bidding with the big boys, E-Bay bidding against the big boys. Target rich environments. And more.
We know you are up there AJ with a big smile on your face, a sparkle in your eye, and a laugh in your voice – so what does St. Peter really lock the Pearly Gates with??
Vivian – thanks for sharing AJ with us, he was a truly great man.
Warren & Wendy
Robert W. Dix says:
July 29, 2004
What can I say? One of my oldest and best friends has died. I will make sure that he will never be forgotten.