HOFFMAN, Louis VonSiebenthal (Lou)

The Prescott Courier, Prescott, Arizona Sunday, January 28, 2007 During winter's first snow on Jan. 19, 2007, longtime Prescott resident, Louis V. Hoffman slipped the surly bonds of earth, log book closed, after an accomplished, adventurous and full life. He was born in a log cabin near Cody, Wyo., on Sept. 15, 1919, to Walter L. and Emmanuelle R. Hoffman. Lou's love of aviation began with his first sight of barnstorming Jennies on Wyoming prairies. He earned his Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering from the Univ. of Minnesota in 1941 and worked for North American Aviation on B-25 bomber production in Kansas. Lou enlisted in the Army Air Force and enjoyed the unusual distinction of learning to fly through Royal Air Force, British Flying School #4 at Falcon Field, Mesa, Ariz., where he proudly received both USAF and RAF wings. He was assigned to the 7th Ferry Group, flying B-17's and delivering B-25's to the Russians in Alaska with Capt. Bob Crawford, author of the USAF's song. Lou was transferred to Special Air Missions in Washington, D.C., flying VIP's worldwide to historic meetings including the Yalta Conference. Lou felt his Air Force experience had a large influence on the rest of his life. After WWII, Lou began a career in aviation, test flight and aerospace. He worked at Douglas Aviation on the XBT2D and Cloudster programs and later joined Convair as engineer and test pilot for the Conair Turboliner, the XP5Y, R3Y, 340, 440, T-29C, T-29D and C-131B. Other test pilot endeavors included the X-10 research vehicle, testing inertial navigation equipment for the Navajo missile at NAA/Aeronetics; and the APU-GSE integration into the Atlas missile for Sunstrand. Lou was especially proud of being a founding member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and was later honored as an Associate Fellow. He was also a charter member of the Aviation Hall of Fame. Lou retired from TRW after 20 years in Space Park and Power Systems Division with particular responsibilities for prepackaged liquid propulsion and involvement in the Mars Viking Mission Lunar Lander program. From 1943 to 1991, Lou flew over 60 types of motor aircraft and later achieved the triple Diamond Badge of the Soaring Society of America after 185 flights in non-motor planes. Lou had many interests including ancient history, photography, travel, fishing, backpacking, skiing and woodworking. He traveled widely with his wife, Dava, who survives him. He is also survived by his children, Paul (Lisa) Hoffman and Louise Abbott; grandchildren, Desi, Fritz and Paul; and nephew Jim (Joan) Hoffman. His brother, Walter R. Hoffman and sister, Louise M. Lerchen preceded him in death. Lou was a very loving, caring man and a great teller of stories. He will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the YRMC Hospice. Information provided by survivors.