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<em>Terrence Keith Hoffman</em> was born to his loving parents, Walter Terry and Dolores Dee Hoffman, while his father was on active duty in the Army at Frankfurt, Germany. The oldest of three children, Keith was the leader of great adventures for both his sister Georgene “Genie” and brother Gregory. He was their mentor and protector. Growing up in Michigan provided him the roots and experiences that shaped his character. With an inherent curiosity in learning how things work, Keith was constantly working on some “secret” project of a mechanical nature. One day it might be dissecting one of his mom’s kitchen appliances, the next building a go-cart from a lawn mower en­gine and parts scrounged around the neigh­borhood. A natural on the hockey rink, at the baseball park, or in the classroom, Keith made hard things seem easy.</p>
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He originally planned to enter the General Motors Institute to train as an engineer and leader in that industry until an opportunity to apply to West Point pre­sented itself. Keith came to the Academy in July 1974 as a member of the Class of 1978. Beast was hard, followed by the harder tri­als of being a plebe in Company A-l. From that crucible was forged the steel of Keith’s loyalty to classmates and pride for the in­stitution he often would claim “made him” the man, son, brother, husband, father, and friend he was. Keith enjoyed the unusual cadet adventures. Rappelling from the bar­racks, walking the train tunnel, exploring the old steam tunnels, or sneaking a drink in the room, Keith had a special relation­ship with the Cadet Blue Book. Sometimes he lost, but he never groused about it. He only would remind us how the ride is worth the price. Keith never got completely over the idea that the Tactical Department could not see his rappelling out of barracks win­dows as anything but an extension of mili­tary training. After graduation he married Cathy, who would be mother to their son and three daughters.</p>
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Keith chose Armor, a natural fit for his interest in mechanics and big guns. He also chose Germany and the 3rd Infantry Division at Schweinfurt. While with A Company, 3rd Battalion, 64th Armor, his unit was one of the very first to be fielded the Ml Abrams tank in Germany. He then returned to Ft. Knox to command a COHORT basic and advanced training company. I visited him there once, and the non-commissioned officers swore he was the best commander. An officer can earn and receive no better endorsement.</p>
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While at Ft. Knox, Keith made the deci­sion to leave active duty and secure a posi­tion in the civil sector. His first of many de­fense contractor jobs was with Honeywell in Minnesota, drawing on his Armor expe­rience with case-less tank ammunition. This exposed Keith to both developing business and providing quality products for our na­tion’s arsenal. Over time, Keith became very successful in munitions development and production at the management level.</p>
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Eventually he joined General Dynamics, where he held several positions of increas­ing responsibility over the last twenty years. Those jobs gave him the opportunity to live in both Arkansas and Florida. Keith loved the water, a herald back to his boyhood in Michigan. He was back in Florida, living on the Inter-coastal Waterway, shepherding another important company project when God called him home.</p>
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In 1999 Keith found his last and true love, joining in marriage with Jane. To close family and friends it was a true treasure to share some time with them and know they were so very happy. It is seldom to see two people so perfectly matched, comfortable and content in life despite all the toils and troubles of the rest of the world. While we miss his earthly presence, we are comforted in knowing he was so loved and that he considered himself the luckiest among us all.</p>
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Keith was slow to anger and treated all with a level fairness that sometimes sur­prised even his adversaries. He cheered when others did well and lent a hand when they stumbled. Keith did not hold grudges but would not suffer those who would harm his family, friends, country or the things he held reverent. He even tolerated Annapolis, except for the day of the football game, something he always watched every year until the final seconds ticked away.</p>
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Keith was preceded in death by his parents Terry and Dee Hoffman. He is survived by his beloved wife Jane “PJ”; daughters Jennifer Cameron and hus­band Duane, Rebecca Hoffman, Caitlin Hoffman, Jennifer Stover Parker; sons Andrew Hoffman, Rick Stover and Doug Stover and his wife Natalie; grandchildren Matthew, Jacob and Aiden Cameron, Jayden Porter and Mackensie Stover; sis­ter Georgene Wigen, husband Michael and two nephews; and brother Gregory Hoffman, wife Nancy and three nephews and a niece. He leaves behind a legion of friends who had the great fortune of walk­ing with him through life’s march, even if only for a while and few miles. His course on earth now run, it can be said “Well Done, Be Thou At Peace.” Keith, until we meet again at Fiddler’s Green.</p>
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—<em>Jane, family and classmate Ron Knapp</em></p>