We are filled with sadness to learn of the passing of United States Veteran Tim Hoffmann, who not only loved and served this country, but who also started the Maine-based program VETS on the WATER.
Below is a message shared by Tim's family today, Veteran's Day.
It is with great sorrow that we send this update about Tim Hoffmann, our beloved father and the founder of Vets On The Water. His brave journey with cancer ended on November 7th when he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. After serving for 28 years as a Lieutenant Colonel, Tim retired from the Army Reserve in 2013. He then began to envision opportunities to merge his lifelong passion for fishing and boating with his desire to give back to the military community. In 2014, he launched Vets On The Water, a volunteer-driven nonprofit initiative dedicated to “providing challenged veterans the opportunity to experience and enjoy rest, relaxation, and recreation on the water.” Since then, Tim has devoted countless hours to taking members of the active duty military, disabled veterans, and their families out on the water during all four seasons for activities such as fresh and saltwater fishing, sailing, and ice fishing. He recently estimated that he and his team of volunteers have taken out well over 1,000 veterans over the years. Although Tim is no longer with us, his legacy will live on, as members of the organization have pledged to continue his efforts. We are so incredibly proud of our Dad not only for his many accomplishments, but also for his tender heart and admirable character. He will be deeply missed.
Today, on Veterans Day, we are thinking of all the military veterans and their families. Thank you for your service.
Tim first reached out to TACO shortly after launching VETS on the WATER in search of aluminum rod holders. With Tim's feedback, we were able to provide him the rod holders and many other products he needed to help make VETS on the WATER more accessible for disabled veterans. You can read more about Tim and VETS on the WATER here and also by visiting the program's Facebook page.
Though Tim is sorely missed by many, we know his memory will continue to live on with his family, friends, all of us at TACO and the 1,000-plus veterans he helped through VETS on the WATER.
Thank you, Tim. May you rest in peace.
