Houston has lost one of its biggest fans and best writers. Ken Hoffman, a columnist for Houston’s CultureMap, died suddenly this weekend.
Hoffman wrote for the Houston Post and Houston Chronicle for decades before joining the CultureMap team in 2017.
Originally from New Jersey, he wrote countless articles about his adopted city and all its quirks. He told it like it is, sharing his love of Houston, the Astros, entertainment, television, food, dogs, and so much more.
He also didn’t shy from a sharp word when he felt it was warranted. His last article published Friday offered a harsh critique of the response from CenterPoint Energy and local leaders to Hurricane Beryl. Culturemap reports it’s already among their most read articles of the year.
While many on the KPRC 2 team had meaningful and personal relationships with Hoffman, even more of us have had the good fortune of working with his beloved wife Erin for many years. As we mourn Ken Hoffman’s death, we hold Erin and their son Andrew in our prayers. Our hearts are with them.
TRIBUTE MESSAGES
CultureMap has shared several personal and touching stories about Hoffman on their site, which you can read here.
Recently retired KPRC 2 chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley shared his condolences on Facebook:
"I first discovered Ken Hoffman when I moved to Houston in 1989, those Sunday “Letters” and, of course, he became a favorite read as well as a favorite friend. I respected not only his clever writing talent but his unmatched ability to “tell it like it is”, see the dark side using a light side, and raise even the most mundane topic to the top of the heap. My prayers to his wife, Erin, with whom I worked at KPRC and his son. Ken made us all laugh and think and appreciate what it meant to be a Houstonian and a Texan, in our worst and best moments. We are all better for “knowing” him. RIP Ken.”
Former KPRC anchor Bill Balleza wrote:
“Just received word that Houston writer and humorist, Ken Hoffman died this morning. Ken was a uniquely clever writer who left the Houston chronicle after many years to write for culture map. I’ve known and loved this guy for more than forty years, and he leaves his wife and son, and our city, with a sadness difficult to measure.”
Former Harris County judge Ed Emmett posted on Facebook:
“The untimely death of Ken Hoffman leaves a hole in the life of our community. Under that irreverent, humorous veneer was a fascinating person who was someone who knew how to be a true friend. I know I will miss him.”
KPRC 2 investigative reporter Amy Davis shared:
So sad to hear about Ken Hoffman. He just wrote a piece about the power outages 2 days ago.
He came to speak with staff at The Daily Cougar at UH when I was in school. He spoke about how he made the transition from The Houston Post when it closed to the Chronicle. He said while other employees walked out of The Post carrying boxes, upset, angry and crying- he used humor like only he could to lighten the heavy mood they all were feeling.
He said a TV News reporter asked him what he planned to do next.. and he answered that he had already started rehearsing for his next job. “Oh yeah- what’s that?” Asked the reporter.
“Would you like fries with that?” Hoffman said.
He went to work for the Chronicle very soon after… and then CultureMap. A very talented and kind person. He will be missed.
Davis’ memory ties into the title of a book Hoffman published in 1999 titled “You Want Fries with That?" about fast food, pop culture, and life’s dilemmas.
Some of Hoffman’s favorite restaurants have also posted condolences.
Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen wrote:
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and mensch Ken Hoffman. He was a great fan of and friend to the deli over the years, and we send our condolences to his family and friends.
Years ago we put a namesake sandwich on the menu for Ken, an off-the-menu creation that he often ordered. Come enjoy a Ken Hoffman sandwich in his honor - a chicken salad on toast with lotsa bacon.”
Fuzzy’s Pizza Katy posted:
In Remembrance of Ken Hoffman: A Beloved Mensch and Cherished Family Friend
It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Ken Hoffman, a treasured family friend and esteemed former writer for the Houston Chronicle. Ken was not only a brilliant writer, but a true mensch whose words touched countless lives.
Ken’s friendship with my father and late Uncle Fuzzy began many years ago, and his support and heartfelt articles about Fuzzy’s Pizza were instrumental in our success. We will forever be grateful for his kind words and advocacy. His passion for storytelling and his genuine love for our pizza made him a cherished family friend and an integral part of our journey.
Ken’s legacy is one of warmth, kindness, and an unerring ability to uplift those around him. His contributions to the Houston Chronicle and his heartfelt pieces about Fuzzy’s Pizza will forever be remembered.
May his memory be a blessing.
-Jeff Hajjar, Owner of Fuzzy’s Pizza Katy
AN INTERVIEW WITH HOFFMAN
In 2007, local media blogger Mike McGuff sat down for an interview with Hoffman. After learning of Hoffman’s death, McGuff shared the interview again. You can read McGuff’s tribute blog here and listen to the interview below.