Neil J. Hoff's Obituary
Neil J. Hoff born in Los Angeles, California to Phoebe (Moen) and Rev. Parnell B. Hoff June 17, 1921; died June 18, 2005. He is survived by his daughter Erica Ann Christenson, grandson Zeb and granddaughter Chloe Christenson, sister Millie (Frank) Swanberg and eight nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers Rev. Cameron Hoff of Santa Monica, CA, and Harty Hoff of Tacoma. He maintained a lifelong friendship with his former wife Mary (Schmitz) Hoff of Seattle.The Hoff family came to Tacoma from Redwing, Minnesota in 1938. Neil graduated from Stadium High School where he was editor of the World, in 1939, He attended Pacific Lutheran College 1939-1942, served in the U. S. Army, 1942-1945, he participated in the Italian Campaign during WWII, he attended the University of Washington earning a B. S. , and the University of Washington Law School where he earned his J.D. in 1949. Neil served in the State of Washington legislature as a senator, 1953-1957. He was professor of Business Law at Pacific Lutheran University for two years, Governor of the Washington State Bar Association (2 terms), Governor of the Western States Trial Lawyers Association (1 term), Delegate to the 9th Circuit Federal Court (1 term), member, House of Delegates, American Bar Association (4 terms). Neil practiced law in Tacoma for 51 years.Pacific Lutheran named Neil as one of one hundred outstanding alumni in 100 years, he was Superior Court Judge protem, twice elected President Tacoma Athletic Commission he made his home here and at Green Canyon Ranch, Ellensburg. Neil had a great love of the outdoors, horses and dogs, peacocks and wildlife. He distinguished himself in every undertaking. The family is grateful to Drs. David E. Law and Needham E. Ward for their extraordinary professional services and for the kindnesses of the staff at the Renaissance, Narrows Glen and Tacoma General Hospital.A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, June 27, 2005 in the Mt. View Garden Chapel.
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