Edward A. Hoffman's Obituary
Edward Hoffman September 24, 1953 – April 18, 2016 “He Inspired a Movement”Edward Hoffman passed away peacefully on April 18, 2016 in the family home in San Mateo, California. His passing was due to lung failure – he enjoyed smoking and managed to do so until the end. He is preceded in death by his parents, Tony Hoffman, a machinist and union activist, and Frances Hoffman, formerly a professional executive assistant.Born on September 24, 1953 in San Francisco, California, Edward was an exceptionally bright child. At age 15, he was diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia, left school and was institutionalized for much of his adult life. He was fortunate to have been schooled at Napa State Hospital, allowing him to achieve a high school diploma then attend classes at Napa Community College. He was employed in vocational rehabilitation programs at Napa State Hospital and, later, at San Mateo County’s Workcenter.Edward’s struggle with chronic mental illness inspired his parents to join a small group of parents in San Mateo County, California who mobilized other parents to advocate for the chronic and seriously mental ill. The parents’ efforts led to a nationwide grassroots movement. The family’s story was featured in a 2009 documentary, entitled When Medicine Got it Wrong, that showed how the nationwide grassroots advocacy movement challenged psychiatry’s view of serious mental illness and overturned assumptions about brain disorders.Despite his difficult and tumultuous life, Edward maintained a dry wit and unique sense of humor that many found engaging. He would often announce the “Word of the Day” to whoever was in the room. Some of his favorite “Words of the Day” were, “Jimmy Page,” “The Who and the Yea” and “Hit Hard Disease,” all of which had some meaning to him, yet left others to wonder. Edward was always ready to go somewhere, anywhere. Some of his favorites activities were going to restaurants, watching old western television shows, listening to 60s rock music, fishing at the trout farm, soaking in waves at the beach, watching comic book superhero movies, shaking hands and fist bumps and, most of all, any outing with his father.“It takes a village…,” and Edward was very fortunate to have outstanding individuals in his village. Special gratitude goes to Dr. Werner Ju, Dr. Gordon Mak, Dr. John Herbert, the Green Team, Ian Adamson, the Mateo Lodge team, Mission Hospice and our angel, Raquel Lang. They all contributed toward improving Ed’s health and quality of life.Edward is survived by his sister, Julie Hoffman, and niece, Anna Fessler-Hoffman. In his own way, Edward enriched the lives of those around him. For better or worse, his journey is now over. His ashes will be interned at Skylawn Memorial Park, San Mateo.Donations may be made in his memory to: Mateo Lodge, 420 Cassia Street, Redwood City, CA 94063 and Mission Hospice, 1670 S. Amphlett Blvd., Suite 300, San Mateo, CA 94402.
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