Casey Hoffman here, son of Robby Hoffman (author of this blog).

I'm deeply saddened to write that my father Robby died on January 10th, 2015.

He got a 1 in 100,000 infection in his replacement heart valve that shot blood clots all over his body causing multiple strokes on both sides of his brain. We made the difficult decision to let him go after 10 days in the ICU, knowing that's what he would have wanted (see his previous blog post from June 5, 2011 entitled Dr. Jack).

I would like to personally thank everyone who supported my dad, who read his blog, who befriended him over the years, and who understood the great man that he was. I'm not sure yet if this will be the last 1of7billion blog post or if I will continue it in his name, but I encourage you to go back and read some of his earlier blog posts to remember him and his words. This blog was important to him; it was his journal, his soapbox, his way to tell the world his ideas, and one of his many storytelling devices.

Please enjoy the below memoir that I wrote for his upcoming Celebration of Life followed by some of his favorite quotes and mottoes and a few photos of Robby with friends and family.

Robby Hoffman was...a Father, Brother, Friend, and Partner. Robby was...

“1 of 7 Billion”

people on planet Earth. Through his blog, he never let us forget that he was no different than any other human being, but that was far from the truth. Robby was truly one of a kind and everyone who crossed his path knew that from the moment they met him. He was an enigma and strived to…

“Be Different, Act Normal.”

Robby was a unique combination: an intense New York Jew, an Ivy Leaguer, a Division I starting running back, a big brother, a helpful neighbor, a philosopher, a journeyman, a mathematician, a carpenter, an entrepreneur, a lover, a writer, a Seahawks fan, a chameleon, and a loving father. He was truly the…

“Jack of All Trades.”

Robby lived many more than nine lives in his 63 vibrant years. He kept one of each of his nearly 40 business cards. Robby’s careers ranged from math teacher to children’s writer, from sports coach to life coach, from propane salesman to river guide, from starting a hospice program to directing Special Olympics, from small business owner to nonprofit volunteer, from Mrs. Clean to the Bartending Academy, from real estate agent to house-builder, from handyman to “the man” at Home Depot, and more. Robby was never afraid to…

“Try on New Hats.”

Robby was an idea guy, always in search of the next big thing. At times he was unsatisfied, critical, and angry, burdened by the weight of existence. However, in his last few years, Robby found true happiness through his relationship with Elley, his growing community in Oceanside, his writing, helping people at his work and in his neighborhood by using his unique skill set and mind, and by making the most of each moment. His family and friends who know him best say that the past few years were the happiest of his life as he fully came to appreciate that…

“It Is What It Is.”

Robby is now at peace and has joined his sister Lauren and father Kenneth. He is survived by his mother Shelley, sister Stacey, partner Elley, son/buddy Casey, parenting partner Alexandra, brother-in-law Bill, nephews Jesse and Morgan, stepfather Mario, stepmother Lynn, Uncle XOQ, his friends across the country, his ex-partners, his amazing co-workers, his son’s friends, his blog followers, and the many people he touched. Robby’s legacy will live on in those that he loved, helped, befriended, and inspired along his journey. Cheers to a great man and another beginning!

Robby lived a full life, but it's hard not to feel like he left us too early. Best of luck Pops on the next phase of your journey and Another Beginning.