Hoffmans of Dashwood retire, pass torch to Haskett Funeral Homes

Jim and Donna Hoffman of T. Harry Hoffman and Sons Funeral Home marked the end of more than 80 years of service in Dashwood during a May 24 open house, where they announced the sale of the funeral home to Haskett’s Funeral Homes.

By Dan Rolph

With generations Hoffmans having served Dashwood and the surrounding area, the family is saying goodbye to its long-standing funeral home that has become a pillar of the community.

Jim and Donna Hoffman, the owners and operators of T. Harry Hoffman and Sons Funeral Home, celebrated their retirement and announced the sale of their funeral home to Haskett Funeral Homes during a May 24 open house at the funeral home in Dashwood.

To rooms filled with friends, family and community members, Donna spoke about their choice to say goodbye to the Hoffman legacy.

“All good things must come to an end, and what we had was good,” she said. “But we realized it was time to start a new chapter in our life.”

Founded by Thomas Harry Hoffman in 1941 as Dashwood’s first residential funeral home, the business has remained in the hands of the Hoffman family for more than 80 years. The funeral home officially became T. Harry Hoffman and Sons when Bob and Jim Hoffman stepped into the family business.

When Bob retired from the funeral home in 2012, Jim and Donna became the sole owners and operators.

“We both loved doing what we did, and retirement was not on our radar,” said Donna.

Over their years at the helm of the funeral home, Jim and Donna navigated many challenges as they continued to serve grieving residents in the community. Navigating multiple cancer diagnoses and the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple pressed onward with the help of their family, friends and a staff that grew to include Amanda Rood, Rob Hoffman, Rose Marie Rader, Jeremy Becker, Jamie Carter and Jeff Hoffman.

“Somehow we weathered that storm, and we continued to do what we loved doing,” said Donna. “Through all of this, in the back of our heads, we wanted retirement to be in our future. We just didn’t know when or how that would happen.

“Because we both love doing what we did, it made the decision even harder.”

Donna said retirement became a real possibility in February this year, when they were approached about a buyer who would retain existing staff and uphold the reputation the Hoffmans built over generations.

“Our vision of selling and retirement was for someone to come in, take over and run the business just like we did,” she said. “We found that someone in the Haskett family.

“We trust moving forward when you walk through these doors that you will receive care, compassion and comfort we provide our families.”

Haskett Funeral Homes president Colin Haskett also spoke during the open house in Dashwood. He described it as an honour to play a part in the retirement of the Hoffmans, and he reflected on the legacy he and his family hope to continue in Dashwood.

“It is no secret that this family and their legacy are woven in the fabric of this community,” he said. “We recognize that they are very big shoes to fill.

“Our intentions are simple. It’s the same thing that we’ve done for over 140 years as their family has done as well. It’s just to simply treat others in the same fashion we would expect to be treated ourselves.”

Though the Hoffmans and Hasketts have been competitors in the industry for generations, Colin Haskett spoke about a collaborative spirit that brought the families closer and helped them through challenging moments over the years.

“Behind the closed doors, regularly the phone would ring in either direction,” he said. “It didn’t matter what either one of us needed. Whether it was something as small as a package of paper or something grander, the other side was always happy to assist and to be there to support. I cannot tell you how much that has meant to me, to my father, and to our entire team to be able to have those allies.”

With Haskett Funeral Homes taking over in Dashwood, the company also announced the closure of its Zurich location, which was set to take effect the same day that they take ownership of the Hoffman funeral home.

In a statement posted on social media, the company stated: “Over the past 10 years, it has been a true privilege to serve families throughout Zurich and the surrounding area. We are deeply grateful for the trust and support shown to our family and team. By bringing our teams and resources together, we believe we can continue to provide families throughout the area with the compassionate and personal care they deserve for many years to come.”

Representatives from South Huron and Bluewater, the two municipalities that encompass Dashwood, also spoke to the room filled with community members during the open house.

Bluewater Mayor Paul Klopp reflected on the impact the Hoffman family has had on the community over their years in the village.

“Under ‘compassion’ and ‘empathy,’ the new dictionary will have the Hoffman funeral home as an example,” he said. “This family made it easier to walk through that door. For that, we thank you.”

South Huron Mayor George Finch thanked the Hoffmans for decades of “compassion, service and professionalism” that they brought to the community.

“I never thought I’d see the day when Jim and Donna Hoffman didn’t own the place,” he said. “Your attention to detail for every loved one that has passed through your care was unique and tailored to bring comfort to countless families. Your commitment to this community has left an indelible mark for generations.”

After more than 80 years of service, the Hoffman family’s chapter at Dashwood’s funeral home has come to a close, but their legacy will remain woven into the community for years to come.