Visitation

Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024

Time: 10:00am-11:00am

Location: First Baptist Church of SW Broward

Funeral Service

Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024

Time: 11:00am

Location: First Baptist Church of SW Broward

Cemetery

Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024

Time: 1:00pm

Location: Lauderdale Memorial Park

Ian Frederick Hofmann, aged 65, passed away in the Bombardier Challenger Jet accident in Naples, Florida, on Friday, February 9th, 2024, while pursuing his lifelong passion. Born on November 3rd, 1958, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, to George Rene Hofmann and Lou Ellen Harwood, Ian faced early loss but found solace and strength in his faith in Jesus, who became his steadfast rock, guiding him through life's challenges.

Ian's remarkable journey in aviation began at the tender age of 13 in the early-1970s, working as a line service technician at Fort Lauderdale Airport to fund his flight lessons. At 17, he realized his dream of becoming a pilot, a vocation he pursued with unwavering dedication for over 40 years. From his early days at Hop-A-Jet charters to his tenure at Piedmont, US Airways, Virgin America, Vietnam Airlines, Vistara Airlines in India, 21 Air, and back to Hop-A-Jet, Ian's love for aviation knew no bounds.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ian accumulated over 25,000 hours of flight experience, piloting a diverse range of aircraft, including the Learjet, DC9, Boeing 727, 737, 747, 767, and serving as Captain on the Airbus 320 and 330. His commitment to safety was unparalleled, demonstrated by his meticulous study of NTSB accident reports and his unwavering professionalism in the cockpit.

Ian's dedication to his craft was matched only by his love for his family and friends. He leaves behind cherished memories with his wife, Cristina Hofmann; sons, Grant, Chris, and Reed; daughter, Grace Hofmann; former wife, Joan Mathis; stepchildren, Felipe and Domita Lizarzaburu Ponton; and a host of friends and colleagues whose lives he touched deeply.

Ian's wife, Cristina, fondly recalls their first encounter at a restaurant on Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale. Little did she know then that this first meeting would mark the beginning of the most beautiful chapter of their lives. On that memorable first date, Ian boldly asked for a hug, a moment that would later become symbolic of the depth of his love for Cristina. From that day forward, they both entrusted their relationship to the guidance of God, allowing faith to lead them on their journey together.

Beyond his aviation career, Ian was a devoted Christian, a proud patriot of the United States, and an animal lover who adored his rescued cats and dogs. He held onto his 1993 Dodge Dakota for nearly three decades, cherishing the memories of his children's youth. Ian enjoyed cooking, country music, and had a fondness for George Strait's "Carrying Your Love With Me" and "Fly Me to the Moon," often dedicating the latter to his beloved wife.

Some of Ian's fondest memories were from his time at US Airways in the late 90s when he flew the European routes. One Christmas, he returned with a cuckoo clock from Germany, leaving his son Chris puzzled as to how he managed to fit it into his small suitcase. Ian often shared anecdotes from his career, including the times he flew Englebert Humperdinck to concerts and even bumped into Elvis Presley on the tarmac. These stories reflected Ian's adventurous spirit and his deep love for the experiences his career afforded him.

His last moments, calmly speaking with ATC as he tried to save the passengers and crew in the face of a desperate emergency of losing both engines at low altitude, is how we will always remember him. Ian's heroic actions saved the lives of the passengers, cabin attendant and countless lives on the ground, exemplifying his courage and selflessness.

A funeral service will be held on February 24th, 2024, beginning with visitation at 10:00 AM followed by the service at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of South Broward in Cooper City (2700 N Palm Ave, Cooper City, Florida 33026).

Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating Ian's life and sharing cherished memories.

Following the service, a burial ceremony will take place at 1:00 PM at Lauderdale Memorial Park Cemetery (2001 SW 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315).

In honoring Ian's memory, let us remember his unwavering spirit, his love for life, and his profound impact on all who had the honor of meeting him.

Poem written by Ian Dedicated to His wife Cristina

I was a lonely man, only a boyhood away. Then I met you...you took my loneliness away. Love blossomed strong, flowers blooming at night...dusk came so swift... would our love see daylight? Or continue in the night? 

A walk through the garden life was not, a stroll by scented meadows could not be bought.. Landscapes mirage, glistening dreams, hopes clinging at echos of laughter, distant streams of bubbling falls... summer’s breeze as winter winds subside.. this body trekking to that great City were promises are found promises kept.. hoping along too for company kept and Loves blossoms met.

The scent on the rose you bring of sweet breezes, early spring... a long journey yes, but a new day... Of you I am missing what I never had and longing for what I have found, for the warmth of my pillow, the sound of your breath, your beating heart against my chest... the warmth of Love melting snow, the ice sickles of winter dripping glow outside, the fireplace of hopes a glow... the dawning of day after a cold dark night... where dreams seemed homeless, but now are at home, our cats guard our hearts wishing for our return. My home is with you.

The harvest sways, fields a glow they wait to feed dreams, hard work, righteous hands, strong hearts all held by faith in His pierced hands... the blessings come from our God above, for he can not help to be blessed in our Love. 

❤️❤️❤️

I was thinking of you my Love while soaring in the skies above...traversing the world, the fields that I work. Missing you while I am away.. working.. to bring our brightest days... together to live in many ways... 

I Love you Mi Amor. I cherish you in my heart and keep you near in my soul for there is no other like you who has loved me so... No one my soul has loved like you. 

I love you and I will see you soon.

Love,

Your faithful husband always,

Ian.