J.K. Hoffman
Friend, Neighbor
A MAJOR reason Califon is the fine place it is now.
There are not enough words that can describe all the things that Ken did for this borough. This was his lifelong home. Born in his parent's house on Second and Pershing Street, Ken resided here all his life, except for a time when he was serving his country during World War II and the resultant occupation of Japan.
Returning home, he dedicated his life to serving the people he grew up with, by returning to the area the blessings he received. He skillfully used his ability to help his neighbors (he did not have customer per-ce, but had friends he helped out), It did not matter if you lived in Califon forever or you were new to the area. You could expect that the job would be done correctly because JK "was particular!" It had to be done right the first time. His word was his bond -- Jk -- a man to be respected
Ken also found time to volunteer. He was a councilman, a LONGTIME member of the Califon Fire Company, and always doing for the town's well being. Few knew that it was neighbor Ken Hoffman who secured an U.S. Army water transport trailers when the well got drained in 1978 and there was no city water for four days. Many a night he had to go out in the cold when pipes broke in the streets.
J.K. was a competitor, be it his race cars, or the time he "taught the youngsters a lesson," when he won the special Sprint Car race while serving as a member of his #3 son's (David) racing crew.
Ken was a family man -- married for 56 years to Bernice, and patient loving father to Ken, Jim and Dave.
Words to describe Ken are easy; Mentor, Teacher, Citizen, Engineer, Perfectionist, Entrepreneur are a few -- there are more. But two about sum it up.
Friend and Neighbor.
JK, physically we may be separated, but you are a part of me and my family. In Califon, Our Past is Our Future. Califon is the place it is because you were part of it. And that, my friend is something special!
Let's Go Down to Califon
by James ALexander Elliott
Fairmount, New JerseyOctober 6. 1887 -December 18, 1962
Let's go down to Califon
Shop, and see what's going on;
We haven't been down in a week or so,
So get in the car and off we'll go.
We'll shop around from store to store,
Meet the folks and talk things o'er;
You never can tell who you're likely to meet
Shopping up and down that busy little street.
Everybody smiles and says "How do you do?
Where have you been and how are you?"
And before you know it you've stopped for a chat;
That's how you hear about this one and that.
Talk about the sidewalks of New York,
Radio City and all that sort;
Give me the sidewalks of Califon
So I can hear what's really going on!
When I'm down there this is how I feel;
I'm right at the hub in the center of the wheel,
'Cause Califon's the hub, and the roads are the spokes
That bring in all us county folks.
It's all right living here, back on the farm,
But all you see's the mailman, the cows and the barn;
I get crabby, and my face gets long
If I don't get to Califon.
#
Services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Coughlin Funeral Home. 15 Academy Street Califon, followed by a burial in Lower Valley Union Cemetery, Rt. 513, Califon. Calling hours are 6 to 9 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home.
Copies of some of the past Holiday Cards are available. The package of 10 is $7.50 or $2.00 each. Use our Email likk if interested.
Info from the Califon Story and some more pictures
