F L A S H Issue # 777 -- May 8, 2004
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The International Deaf Queer Electronic News 'Zine
Published electronically since 1994 by CTN Magazine and
Sponsored by the national Deaf Queer Resource Center (DQRC)

>> SPECIAL BULLETIN <<

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[1] ERNEST HOFFMAN
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Ernest (Ernie) Hoffman, a long-time resident of Washington, DC, passed away last night, May 7, 2004 at the Casey House Hospice in Rockville, Maryland. He had been struggling with a recently discovered case of Lymphoma which left him partial paralyzed. He was in a great deal of pain during the last weeks of his life. A long-time HIV survivor, his condition had advanced to AIDS at the time of his death. He was 58.

Ernie had a big heart and donated a great deal of his time to many organizations. He was a long-time member of the Capital Metropolitan Rainbow Alliance (CMRA) and the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD). Within RAD, he had held nearly every single Board position except for the role of Treasurer. He had also served as conference chair for two different conferences including the last RAD conference held in Orlando, Florida.
During this last RAD conference, Ernie was recognized for his many contributions to RAD with a "Man of the Year Award".

Ernie was also a proud leatherman and was actively involved with the Highwaymen TNT and the International Deaf Leather organizations.

His contributions were not only limited to the Deaf Queer and Leather communities, however. Due to Ernie's humble nature, many may not know that other organizations he contributed his time to included the International Alpha Sigma Pi Fraternity Alumni, a fraternity he had joined while a student at Gallaudet College (now University). He served as the organization's President and advisor.

Ernie touched the lives of all who knew him. He was a wonderful friend, mentor, and advisor. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service is currently being planned to take place at the Ole Jim Alumni House at Gallaudet University where Ernie had worked for many years.

More details to be forthcoming as they become available.

-- Drago