Gary J. Hoffman, 80
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 1 hour, 5 minutes AGO
Hoffman
After a 12-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, on Sept. 26, 2026, Gary J. Hoffman of Post Falls, Idaho, passed peacefully with his wife, Sharon, holding his hand. Gary was born May 12, 1946, in Tacoma, Wash., to Merlin and Mary Hoffman. Gary married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Kelso, on Sept. 4, 1965. In September 2026, they celebrated their 61st anniversary.
Gary served 26 years in the Navy Reserves, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He worked for Bunker Hill Mining Co. as a Journeyman Machinist, as a Maintenance Supervisor for Hecla Mining, as a Purchasing Manager at Sunshine Mining, and as the owner of Quest Search and Recruitment, where he recruited and placed mining executives. Gary graduated from Lewis Clark State College with a degree in Business Management.
Gary’s family was very important to him. He worked very hard and made many sacrifices to provide his sons with a college education, etc.
Gary was a man of great faith. At the end, a Pastor came and prayed with Gary. At that time, Gary was starting to let go of his life on Earth and transition to Heaven.
Gary had a great love of travel. He and Sharon made 18 international trips, spending a total of one year in Europe. They also made many trips to Hawaii and other places around the US.
At the age of 68, Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Through his neurologist, Gary participated in worldwide Parkinson’s Research. It was determined that he did not carry any of the 65 genetic markers known to cause Parkinson’s. It was scientifically determined that Gary’s Parkinson’s was caused by mining environment toxin exposure, such as being raised in a Superfund site.
Gary is survived by his wife, Sharon Hoffman, at the family home in Post Falls; his son, Kurt Hoffman of Post Falls; son, Todd Hoffman of Coeur d’Alene; granddaughter, Jayde Hoffman of Post Falls; daughter-in-law, Coleen Hoffman; sister, Karen; and three great-granddaughters: Jules Hoffman, Jaymison Hoffman, and Rhexa Hoffman, all of Post Falls.
Services may be planned at a later date. Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. You may sign Gary’s online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.