Barnett Jay Hoffman was born to Bill and Lois Hoffman of Brookline, Mass., on Jan. 17, 1947.
He grew up and married his high school sweetheart and had his first son, Mark Hoffman. Hearing of the war in Vietnam, he wanted to do what all American boys did: He enlisted in the US Army. Finding him too young, the Army sent him to Germany until his 17th birthday.
Barnett did two tours in Vietnam, receiving the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Coming back to the states he settled in California – he didn't like the cold anymore – where he had two more children, Colin Hoffman and Tamara Hoffman.
When he met Phyllis Erwin in 1995, he adopted Michelle Everton, her daughter. They were one big happy family.
He joined the Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 223 in Santa Rosa in the 1980s and was a life member until he moved to Lake County in January 1999.
Barnett was the main force behind Lake County's Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 951, being one of the founding fathers. The first year he was the vice president and soon became the treasurer. He remained in that post, enjoying his service to such a a great chapter.
He was a two-time white hat commander (meaning that all programs were completed on time) for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Barnett started out as a member and worked his way up to commander. He helped during poppy fundraising sales when his health permitted.
Barnett did taxes for extra money and enjoyed helping others.
He loved his family – especially his grandchildren – and his dogs. He also loved riding around on his black and silver trike.
Those who knew him best will miss him the most.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to VVA 951 for “The Wall” in Barnett's name.
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