Ray Allen Hoffman

A memorial service for Ray Hoffman, 74, of Findlay, will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at New Life Assembly of God Church, 3120 Norcrest St., Findlay, the Rev. Dutch VanderVlucht officiating.

A time for sharing memories will be held following the service with lite refreshments being served.

Mr. Hoffman died at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at St. Rita?s Hospital, Lima.

Surviving are a son, Jeff, of Findlay; and a daughter, Laurie Hoffman, Findlay.

Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the Blanchard River. At one time, he kept the river cleared of log jams for the Hancock County Park District so families with children could rent canoes and travel the river without issue. He became known as the "Canoe Man." As a side note, one of his friends said he had ideas on how to solve the flooding problem with knowledge he gained from that experience.

Canoes weren?t his only mode of transportation though. In the fall, he would drive the Park District?s tractor around River Bend so people could enjoy a hay ride or two. Sometimes, when not in the canoe or on the tractor, "Smokey the Bear" may have mysteriously been the same height as Ray.

Ray always made people laugh with his good nature and many quotes. "Love many, trust few, always paddle your own canoe" was a favorite of his. He also said that, "The only thing that you really own in this life is your name. If the government wants to put a road thru your property, there will be a road thru your property."

He will be sorely missed by family and many friends. There were also many strangers that he would talk to at random for no apparent reason except to say, "Have a nice day!" Paddle on Ray, paddle on.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hancock Parks Foundation.