WILHELM HOFFMAN passed away peacefully on March 23, 2015, at Dandenong Hospital in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Funeral details are shown below. May his soul Rest in Peace! He was 79 years old.
A proud alumnus of St. Peter's College – Wilhelm Hoffman lived at the Bambalapitiya Flats (F Block) with his parents and siblings in the 50s and 60s prior to immigrating to Australia. On leaving school, Wilhelm was employed at Rowlands and played cricket for his employer. Wilhelm used his height to advantage and was an effective spinner in his days. He had his baptism to cricket in 1951 in a strong Peterite side led by H.I.K. Fernando, legendary wicket-keeper batsman who was a fixture in the national side. Wilhelm played for his alma mater from 1951 – 1954 (both years inclusive). St. Peter's College was captained in 1952 by H.I.K. Fernando (captained twice), Herbert Wittachy – 1953, Clive Inman (1954). Archives show that Wilhelm Hoffman's team mates for the four years include the celebrated All-Ceylon and Liecestershire cricketer Clive Inman, H.I.K. Fernando, Brian de Silva, Jayantha Fernando, Pat Muthumani, Tudor Wijesinghe, Herbert Wittachy, Ken Duckworth, Maurice Salgado, Lakshman Serasinghe, Mark Pereira, Denzil Abeysekara, P.A.T. Kelly, Leonard Wettasinghe, Tony Don Michael.
Wilhelm earned his place in the Peterite team for his spin bowling and batted lower order in 1951 and eventually moved up over the years to go in at No.3 in 1954. Following him at No.4 was skipper Clive Inman who went on to score the record breaking 204 (Retired Hurt) that year. Out of interest, Josephians in 1954 were led by Chrysantha Fernando and included among others Yasa Ratnayaka, Kirthi Caldera, Ralph Brohier, Mahinda de Silva, Tony Buhar and M. Berenger.
Wilhelm's younger brother Everard Hoffman played for St. Peter's College in Travis Fernando's 1965 team. Sister Larraine Hoffman was a versatile vocalist who was well known in the music scene in the 50s and 60s. The Hoffman family immigrated to Australia in the sixties and have lived 'down under' for around 50 years.
HOFFMAN, Wilhelm Ernest Fritz
HOFFMAN. Wilhelm Ernest Fritz Passed away peacefully at Dandenong Hospital on Mar. 23, 2015, aged 79 years Eldest son of Ernest and Noeline Hoffman (both dec. ). Brother to Hugh and Helen (U. K. ), Laraine and Vernon (dec. ), David, Everard and Dagmar, Cheryl and Wilhelm, Maive and Russell, and Roger (dec. ). Loving father to Cecilia. Uncle to many nephews, nieces and grand nephews and nieces. We thank God for the strength He gave you in the past few years and for the memories we share. Rest In Peace
