We mourn the passing in February of Basil Hoffman, 80, former Colrain Historical Society president and a member of the Board of Directors until 2015. As President Basil played a major role in the Arthur A. Smith Covered Bridge Project in 1979. He is remembered in Colrain for his sunny disposition and for his performance on the guitar with the popular dance band, the Hofftones, which included his wife and fellow CHS member, Barbara.
Basil T. Hoffman (1935 - 2016)
Obituary
SHELBURNE
FALLS - Basil T. Hoffman, 80, of 1 Highland Village, Shelburne Falls,
passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, February 26. Basil was born to William and Ethel (Benson) Hoffman in Mt. Kisco, New York on March 15th, 1935. He moved to Colrain in 1942 where he lived with his mother and stepfather, Edwin Joy. On November 30, 1957 he married Barbara A. Mayberry. They lived and raised their children in the old school house on Adamsville Road in Colrain. In 2007 they moved to Highland Village.
Basil worked for 25 years at Lamson & Goodnow Manufacturing until his retirement in 1975. In the early 1960s he formed the popular dance band ""The Hofftones"" playing countless weddings and parties for over 25 years. In addition he performed with numerous other musicians throughout his lengthy musical career. Basil was active in Colrain town government serving as assessor for 13 years. He was a life member and former president of the Colrain Historical Society and served on the board of directors until 2015. He played a major role in the Arthur A. Smith Covered Bridge restoration project.
Basil had a passion for photography. He thought every occasion was worthy of a picture. Together he and Barbara enjoyed watching the Red Sox, trips to Hampton Beach, and attending live music events. His greatest love of all was spending time with his family.
Basil is sorely missed by his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Sharon Hoffman and her friend, Dave Montmeny; his son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Bonnie Hoffman and their son Stephen; his son Scott Hoffman and his partner, Kate Kearns. He also leaves a half-sister, Evelyn Kaczmark.
The family will receive friends at Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls on Wednesday, March 2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Private services will be held at West Branch Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Franklin County TRIAD, 160 Elm Street, Greenfield, MA 01301, OR to The Shelburne Senior Center, 7 Main Street, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370.
