Obituary of David F. Hoffman

On Monday afternoon, May 15, 2017, my treasured husband, David R. Hoffman, conquered cancer and death by the love and power of his Savior, being made new, strong, and eternally perfect in Him. I, Helene Hoffman, had the honor to be called his wife and to be made one flesh with him. He was the heart of the home, the home of my heart, and his was the pure heart of a child. A man of great intelligence, creativity, and sense of humor, David was moved by beauty and goodness, and a good and faithful steward of all entrusted into his care. Indeed, the fruits of his hard labor were more likely to be harvested for others' benefit than for his own. David dearly loved life's simple pleasures, looked up at the sky every day, and saw God's fingerprints everywhere. His own hands were large and beautiful, strong yet gentle, creating things of both strength and beauty. He made people smile and doggy tails wag, was tenderly patient with children and the elderly, and was a kind mentor of men. He loved his home and all the simple blessings and pleasures thereof; like moving grass, grilling hamburgers, making coffee for us in the mornings, reading the morning paper, snuggling under a warm quilt from the dryer, luxuriating for hours in his den, and laughing heartily every day, even the dogs joining in the happiness of being near him. David loved the primal beauty and comfort of campfires on the patio he built himself, but the real fire was his own golden heart, where many came out of the cold to warm themselves, most of all me. He was a blend of John Wayne, and Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey. Whether being moved to tears by a movie, song, art, or memory; or picking a bouquet of dandelions for his mother on Mother's Day, he lived life from the heart. David's treasures were his late parents, Franklin J. Hoffman and Doris (Merkel) Hoffman of Ephrata, brother Michael (Cindi) Hoffman of Akron, sister Barbara A. (Eric) Hoffmann of Ephrata, his daughter Barbara A. (Todd) Murphy of Tennessee (the little girl who always sang), and his grandson Daniel Murphy of Tennessee (who may be the one person to fill his size 13 shoes some day). He also loved many dogs, especially his sheltie, "Muffin," who surely led heaven's charge to welcome him home. As his wife, David was the love, joy, comfort and strength of my life. Marriage to him was effortless, joyful, and sacred. Often he would call me a Proverbs 31 woman, and say he asked God to put a gold star beside my name. I will miss being by his side, holding his hand, savoring all life's beauties with him, and bearing its burden together. David described himself as a "hopeful romantic," always wanting our story to end with, "and they lived happily ever after." God Himself will write those words for us in Eternity. Till then, I will hold our special love in my heart, my "Beloved… David!" A funeral service will be held on Saturday afternoon, May 20, 2017, at 4:00 PM at John S. Sell Memorial Chapel, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA with Chaplains Gary George and Timothy Nickel officiating. The family will receive guests during a public viewing at Sell Chapel on Saturday from 3:00 PM until the time of the service. Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions may be made to an animal welfare organization of the donor's choice. To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.