Edwin Frank Hoff IV

Edwin Frank Hoff IV passed away unexpectedly Sunday, October 17, 2021, at the

age of 30 in Bryan, Texas. The only son of Leesa Burt Hoff and Edwin Frank Hoff

III. Edwin was born on August 26, 1991, in Houston, Texas. He was the bright

light and shining star in his parents’ lives.

As a child, he enjoyed reading his favorite series of books The Berenstain Bears.

He was quick-witted and loved to tell jokes. Getting a laugh out of people made

his day! He was known to have a big heart and was always the protector. The

playground bullies knew to leave his friends alone.

The Hoff family moved from Houston to Montgomery in 1997. Edwin loved

school and spending time with his friends. He joined Cub Scout Pack 907 as a

Tiger Cub. He enjoyed his Cub Scout activities and adventures with his friends

and mother Leesa as their Den Leader. Attending Camp Strake Summer Camps

was fun! Learning camping and outdoor skills and all the songs and activities

were precious memories. Edwin and Leesa had the great honor to be a part of

the advertising and promotion of the newly developed BSA Camp Bovay where he

was featured on the promotional video in several activities. He was the only

scout brave enough to go down the high-water slide in near-freezing

temperatures to get the “shot”. Edwin always enjoyed an audience!

Edwin’s love of live performance began in kindergarten. In 2nd grade, Edwin began

competing in UIL speaking events. Skippy Jon Jones by Judy Schachner was one of

his favorite pieces to perform. He won many awards during his grade school and

college years.

Edwin became involved in YMCA sports in the 3rd grade. He enjoyed playing

football and basketball. He added Montgomery Little League baseball the next

year. He continued all these activities through Junior High. He added performing

in the UIL One-Act Plays, Speech, and Debate through his senior year in High

School. He was active in the Interact Club and served as an officer – President his

last years. He participated in making the candy rolls for the Shepherds for the

Savior group led by Mike Landes. Edwin went on two Christian outreach missions

to Mexico to deliver the candy rolls, supplies, and clothing donations to under

served communities. The fellowship was heartwarming and life changing. He

received his confirmation at First United Methodist Church in Conroe, Texas

where he was a member.

Edwin acted in the movie The Bracelet of Bordeaux, book written, and movie

directed by Casey Kelley. This was an exciting experience for Edwin and his mom

who worked behind the scenes with the cast and crew. The award winning movie

did well in the children/teenage genres. After its run in the theaters, it was

released on video and in print. Straying from normal, Edwin enjoyed acting as

one of the bike riding, dog kidnapping “Punks” in the movie. He got to wear black

leather clothes with a spiked choker and large chains. He used hair glue with

green hair color on a mohawk hairstyle. He loved it!

Edwin Bridged over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts Troop 472 and continued

developing his leadership and outdoor skills. Edwin was inducted into the Order

of the Arrow (Scouting Honor Society). Edwin competed with several other scouts

and earned the honor of presenting the BSA Sam Houston Area Council yearly

report given on the floor of the House of Representatives in Austin, Texas. He and

several scouts participated in a large scouting parade in Austin at the same time.

He was chosen for the American Legion Boys State in Austin, Texas. He was

elected to run as Lt.

Governor of the Nationalist party from hundreds of attending scouts and he was

invited to return as a counselor for the next year. He earned his Eagle Scout Rank

after completing his Eagle Scout project at Memory Park in Montgomery. Edwin

loved the library, and we were frequent visitors. Thanks to Ken McKee for always

making the activities fun and being so helpful when we came in for projects!

When Edwin heard that they were building a new library and putting in a park

next to it he was the first person to call Kris Nordstrom McBride to say, “I want to

help”! He decided that day that he wanted to do his Eagle Scout project for the

library and the park. He and his school friends and scouting buddies planted five

live oak trees at the entrance to the library. Before a shovel of dirt was turned in

the park, Edwin led a group of volunteers to eradicate the Chinese Tallow trees,

an invasive species of tree from the park. There were hundreds of saplings that

had to be dug up and destroyed. There are a few of the larger trees left in the

park. He continued to encourage other scouts to do Eagle projects there as well

and he participated in several of them. Edwin was honored with a Lifetime Rotary

Membership for his commitment to his community service and dedication to

Memory Park. Edwin enjoyed his two treks to Philmont Scout Ranch in New

Mexico where he climbed to the summit of Mount Baldy. He enjoyed learning to

sail with his father and his scouting friends at BSA Seabase Bahamas.

Edwin was a member of the Sons of the American Legion and participated in

many activities with the Veterans. Edwin along with his friends Kevin Rivera and

Ashton Harry started the first Belle Escorts group for the drill team. His first

official paying job was working as an Umpire for the Little League in Montgomery.

 

He really enjoyed working with the kids. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing X-

box live with his cousins and friends and playing Yu-gi-oh, a card game of intense

 

strategy and concentration. He and his dad enjoyed flea marketing on the

occasional free weekend day. Edwin graduated in the top 10 % of his class with

12 college credits from Montgomery High School in 2010.

Edwin attended college at the University of Houston where he was a Resident

Assistant for his apartment complex. He also worked for the University Housing

department where he did freshman college tours. He was very active as a part of

the acclaimed competitive Forensic Debate Team, traveling across the country

numerous times competing in speaking and debate categories. He and his friends

won many awards. In 2013 Edwin graduated with honors from the University of

Houston with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communication,

Administration and Leadership.

Not long after college his desire for service, caring for people, and his

communication skills landed him in the Bryan/College Station area where he

worked in the Health Care Industry. He was involved in the BNI Group and served

on the Board for Adult Protective Services. He was Master of Ceremonies at

several of the Health Care community fairs. Edwin joined many Civic Clubs in the

area. Rotary, Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Masonic Lodge (while in college) are a few

of the clubs he loved. Edwin was active in organizing and participating in many

activities for senior adults in nursing homes. Edwin was proud of receiving the

Community Ambassador Award for his service.

Edwin was employed by AccuHealth Technologies at the time of his passing.

Preceding Edwin in death are: his Uncle Michael Burt; Grandfather, Edwin F. Hoff

Jr.; Grandmother, Maxine Gullo; Great Grandparents, Edwin F. and Eliza Hoff Sr.;

and his Great-Great Aunt Polly and Uncle Roy Freeman.

Edwin leaves behind to cherish his memories, his loving parents, Leesa Burt Hoff

and Edwin F. Hoff III; Grandparents, Dr. Jean and Bill Palmer; Uncle and Aunt, Dr.

Touraj Kamali and Lisa Hoff; Cousins Nicolaus and Andreas Kamali;

Girlfriend Jenna Downing and a host of loved and valued friends and colleagues. Last but

not least, his beloved dog Duke.

 

 

A Rotary Moment: Edwin Hoff

It is such an honor and a joy for us to have this space each week to share with you the good work and good news of Rotary. Occasionally we must share news that takes a little piece of our hearts with it. Today is such a day, as we report the sudden passing of a special young man, Edwin Frank Hoff IV. He had lived 30 short but brilliant years on this earth.
Only a few months after The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe announced the plans for Memory Park in 2006, we were approached by Edwin and his family. Only 15 at the time, Edwin was working on his Eagle Scout Project. He wanted to plant trees along the side of The Charles B Stewart Library. These trees are the first you see as you enter the park. Edwin had the biggest smile; he was so charming and so prepared. He knew exactly what he wanted to do, had his plans in order, and was ready to go.

His was the very first Eagle Project in the park. In fact, we hadn't even broken ground yet. Undeterred, he worked out a plan to be sure the trees had water and fertilizer and everything needed to make them thrive. He had sponsors for each tree, had designed the dedication plaques for each one; he just needed approval and a little technical assistance.
In short order, his presentation at Commissioners Court was arranged, and a room full of family, friends, and Rotarians were there to support him. His speech was made, pictures were taken and approval of the project was immediate. This kid was a dynamo. Now he just had to wait for Mother Nature and the right weather, and that technical help into the project walked Peter Wakefield. No surprise there. Peter was building the park and a long-time Scout Master. Eagle projects were one of the great loves of his life.
Edwin assembled his planting team and after a long day of hard work, the trees were in the ground. Leesa and Ed were by his side, providing love and support, and lots of snacks! Peter was with him every step of the way, providing advice and guidance. Michael and I were there too, taking pictures and beaming like proud parents. There were lots of hugs and smiles and the knowledge that Edwin had created something lasting and important.

By the time we officially broke ground on the park many months later, Edwin had received his Eagle recognition, and his trees were strong, healthy and growing beautifully. He was there with us for the Ground Breaking Ceremony, along with all the local dignitaries and Rotary brass. He was recognized that day for his commitment and contributions. I remember the rousing round of applause for him, his handshake with the Rotary District Governor, and one more bear hug for me. When we took the official group photo after the ceremony, we asked Edwin to stand in front, handsome in his Scout uniform. Because of the camera angle, he looks about a foot taller than the rest of us. I hadn't looked at that photo for a few years, but seeing it again today it just seems so perfect.

Rotary was there with Edwin for his party in the library the day he received his Eagle recognition. I had the honor of being one of the speakers at that ceremony, and pinned him with a special Rotary recognition. We all felt such pride and joy that day. Edwin was such an amazing young man, one that has been taken from his loving family and a large circle of friends way too soon. The Family of Rotary is included in that circle - he will always hold a special place in our hearts. A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Edwin this Saturday in Bryan. Details of his services may be found on the funeral home website at TrevinoSmithFH.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Memory Park for a future project in Edwin's honor. The address is The RCLC Foundation - Memory Park, P.O. BOX 1252, Montgomery, TX 77356-1252. Godspeed sweet Edwin.

 

 

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