Captain Steve Hoffmans Last Log Entry
Captain Stephan (Steve) Merrill Hoffman passed away on December 20 at the age of 62. He was born in Bethel, Alaska on June 4, 1959. Steve was 6th in line of Jimmy and Dorothy Hoffman’s 10 children.
Steve was a river boat operator from the day he graduated from Bethel Regional High School. He worked the docks in Bethel for United Transportation and retired as a Captain for Crowley Marines Bethel barge line. Steve worked on the tug boats for over 40 years, logging thousands of miles up and down the Kuskokwim River transportation needed goods and fuel. Not too many folks knew the river like Steve did.
When his father Jimmy moved the family to Anchorage in 1966 to fly for Wien Consolidated Airlines, Steve became quite the hockey player in elementary school. There are stories about the phenom he was in the peewee hockey league in the city. Upon returning to Bethel in the early 70’s, with no organized hockey team, Steve enjoyed skating with family on the Hoffman Lake.
Steve loved his family and was heartbroken to lose his son Jake and his daughter Stephanie but found comfort from all his grandchildren, family and friends. His family home in Bethel was a gathering place. Folks were always stopping in to visit or stay over on their way to and from Kalskag. If there was a feast to be had for the grandchildren it happened in his home.
Steve had 2 children with Nancy Chief – Adrian Hoffman and Atas Hoffman. He married Agnes Aloysius and they had Stephanie, Alex (Sonny) and Jake. Though separated, Agnes remained a big part of Steve’s life. There were always plates of food for Steve or a haircut if needed. Steve was a big fan of Jackie Purcell, KTUU weather meteorologist, who wrote “Captain Steve, Sail on to a forever fair forecast!” He had a deep admiration for Jackie and was proud of the autographed framed photo of her.
Many who shared memories talked about how kind he was and his love of dancing, hunting and having a good time. Some might say he was the quietest of the siblings until he got around them. He could be just as noisy especially when telling favorite hunting stories that took place at the Innoko River family moose camp.
He is survived by his sons, Alex “Sonny” Hoffman, Adrian Hoffman, Alvin “Ataas” Hoffman, his 7 siblings Bob (Elizabeth), Beverly (John), Gerene (Kent), Mike (Jill), Eric (Tina), Jeff, and Mary. He also left behind twelve grandchildren, (Stephanie’s) Silvia McKenna, Benito, Stephan; (Sonny’s) Tucker, Tate; (Adrian’s) Dennis, Alphonse, Landen, Adrianne; (Alvin Ataas) Jason Ataas, Annamae, Case and numerous nieces and nephews.
He joins so many family members who have passed on but we are positive he is full of joy dancing away with Jake and Stephanie, his brother Paul, sister Marilyn Jacobs and his parents Jimmy and Dorothy and other family and friends.
Quyana to everyone who helped care for him over the last year. A special thanks go to Marlo Castello, Marsha Coffey and CJ McCormick at YKHC for their kindness towards the Captain! Steve left us too soon but knew he was very much loved. Family and friends will continue to enjoy the memories that are shared about our Steve. Captain (Admiral) Steve was a gentleman and all-around nice guy who will be forever missed. A memorial service will be at a later date due to covid concerns.
