August 9, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 134 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN REMEMBRANCE OF KENNETH HOFMANN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 9, 2019

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
service of Bay Area businessman and devoted philanthropist Kenneth 
Hofmann.
  Ken was born February 15, 1923 in Oakland, California. He graduated 
from Fremont High School in Oakland and later attended Saint Mary's 
College in Moraga before embarking on a successful career in home-
building in 1948 as a plastering contractor.
  In 1957, Ken founded his real estate development company, Hofmann 
Company. By the mid-1980s, Hofmann Company had built more than 30,000 
homes and apartments and more than $150 million worth of commercial and 
industrial properties. In recognition of this remarkable achievement, 
Ken was inducted into the California Building Industry Association's 
hall of fame class of 1986.
  Throughout his life, Ken used his success in real estate to enrich 
and give back to his community. A true philanthropist, Ken was a 
supporter of youth sports and education. For nearly 30 years, Ken 
donated millions to De La Salle High School, helping finance new 
facilities, and he opened the De La Salle Academy to provide food, 
books, and tutors to underprivileged students. Additionally, Ken was an 
ardent supporter and benefactor of the Saint Mary's Athletics Program. 
He was named SMC Alumnus of the Year in 1983 and severed as both a 
Regent and a Trustee over the course of two decades.
  Ken was an avid outdoorsman and provided the leadership and 
assistance necessary to jump-start the creation of the Pacific Flyaway 
Center, a project that is currently seeking final permits. Passionate 
about wildlife and waterfowl, Ken dreamed of creating the Center to 
showcase the story of the primary north-south route for migratory birds 
in the Western U.S.
  Ken is survived by Jean, his wife for 60 years, and their two 
daughters Lori and Lisa. Ken's contributions to the Bay Area will be 
cherished, and his devotion to sports, youth, and wildlife will long be 
remembered.

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