Captain Steve Hoffman

Jun 4, 1959 -

Dec 20, 2021

Captain Steve Hoffman's Last Log Entry

Captain Stephan "Steve" Merrill Hoffman passed away on Dec. 20, 2021, at the age of 62.

He was born in Bethel, Alaska, on June 4, 1959. Steve was sixth 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 transporting 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 70s, with no organized hockey team, Steve still enjoyed skating with family on the Hoffman Lake.

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 studied the weather forecast throughout his career and became a big fan of Jackie Purcell, Alaska News Source chief 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 and Alvin "Ataas" Hoffman; and seven siblings, Bobby (Elizabeth), Beverly (John), Gerene (Kent), Mike (Jill), Eric (Tina), Jeff and Mary. He also left behind 12 grandchildren, Silvia McKenna, Benito, Stephan, Tucker, Tate, Dennis, Alphonse, Landen, Adriane, Ataas, Annamae and Case; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by two children, Jake and Stephanie; brother, Paul; sister, Marilyn Jacobs; and parents, Jimmy and Dorothy. Quyana to everyone who helped care for him over the last year. Special thanks go to Dr. Marlo and Marsha 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 Steve. Captain - alias Admiral, Muddy Rudder - Steve was a gentleman and all- round nice guy who will be forever missed.