Remembering our past Ed & Bev Hoff

Times Contributor

 

In the early 1920’s, the Hoff family decided to leave Germany and move to the New World. Ed’s father and brother moved to Canada, whilst one older brother moved to Argentina. Those who came to Canada moved to the Gleichen area, and purchased land to start farming. Ed was born in Cluny in 1931, the eldest of five children, and went to school mainly in Gleichen, although he did attend Cluny Dormitory for his high school. Following this he attended SAIT for two years Industrial Electricity. Following graduation, he was hired as an electrician on contract, by The Lutheran Church, to assist in rebuilding war damaged buildings and equipment in New Guinea. After spending five years there, he returned to Gleichen in 1959, and took over the family farm, from his father. For the next two years he worked and completed exams, which led to his Masters Degree and an Electrician’s License in 1963, which broadened his work availability to include residential house wiring, under Hoff Electricity.

Bev’s father was fifth or sixth generation from Wales. His forefathers moved to Canada in the late 1700’s, and settled in Ontario. After graduating, he moved to Fort St John and this was where Bev was born in 1937, the middle child of five girls. She grew up there, and completed her education in Fort St John and surrounding area.

Both Ed and Bev were previously married, but both lost their respective spouses to health. These marriages provided Ed with a daughter and two sons, and in turn nine grandchildren. Bev’s first marriage also gave her a daughter and two sons, and she now has seven grandchildren.

Following their marriage Bev moved to the Hoff family farm in Gleichen in 1988, where they continued to farm until 1998, when Ed’s son Peter and wife Cindy took over the farm and rented the land.  In 1990, Ed and Bev had started Evertight Fence Anchors – a company which manufactures guy anchors for agricultural use. Mainly they are used to tie down grain bins, trailers, tool sheds, calf shelters, retaining walls, fencing, etc. For 14 years, they travelled to agriculture shows all over Western Canada, before selling this business in 2004, so they could retire and move to their newly built house in Strathmore. They moved here to be closer to medical facilities, stores and the many friends from the Gleichen area, who had already moved here. In 2001, the farm celebrated its 100th anniversary of farming.

They were both very involved in the community. Ed was known as ‘Mr Fix It’. Even his father used to say that Ed could fix anything! Following his service in New Guinea, Ed continued to volunteer his time and expertise for wiring and repairs at different church camps and community buildings. He was a member and served on the board of Unifarm, The World Mission Board of The Lutheran Church, and served as Superintendent of The Lutheran Church Sunday School in Gleichen, when his own family was young.

As mentioned above, Bev lived in the north at Fort St John. With her first husband they were very involved with the B.C. Seed Growers & B.C. Seed Fairs and Seminars. Her husband was President of The B.C. Seed Growers for 10 years. They were part of the planning committee when the North Peace Care Home Society was formed, and the Care Home was built. Her husband served on the board from the beginning until his death. For five years, Bev taught Bible History to the confirmation classes of Peace Lutheran Church, and served as Vice President of the Church Council. She was also a member of the ELCW – a women’s church group, the local community club, and farmers union.

The main changes they have seen in Strathmore include the arrival of the big box stores like Walmart, Sobey’s, Canadian Tire and No Frills. In Wheatland County – the family farm is a thing of the past. They are being purchased by large operations to create huge farms that most families cannot compete against.