Cliffrd Hoffman
Cliffrd Hoffman
Listen to Cliff talk about buying 30 Hillside
and some of the history of the home
Born January 29th, 1923 in Pelham, New York, Cliff and his older brother Bob had a tough early start. As orphaned young boys, they were taken in by their Uncle George who raised them as his own. When World War II gained momentum, Cliff and Bob both were sent off to war, with Cliff performing medic duties in the African Theater and eventually ending up in Italy at the end of the war.
Cliff returned to the States and took an interest in printing and lithography, working for several small businesses. He met Elizabeth, and soon after being married they moved to Alaska to seek opportunites. Alaska didn't work out, and Cliff now with wife and daughter moved back to New York, and shortly thereafter to Denver, Colorado, with a second daughter in tow.
"I LOOKED AT THE VIEW, I LOOKED AT THE HOUSE, AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND I SAID THAT'S FOR ME. SO I RIGHT THEN WENT UP AND TALKED TO THE OWNER."
When Cliff saw 30 Hillside was For Sale by Owner, he knew he had a winner on his hands. It was February 1983, and after a quick conversation with the seller Robert Starke, a deal was struck. Acting as his own broker, Cliff took ownership of 30 Hillside on March 3rd, 1983.
Cliff left the minor adjustments in drapes and decorating to his wife, but made no further modifications to the home other than a bit of paint, carpet and window coverings.
After a few years, Cliff sought out Mr. Doud's office to find out more information about his home and care for it properly. Mr. Doud's son in law provided additional information and contacts to several of the subcontractors who assisted on the build. The radiant heat contractor who installed the system was still living at the time, and even came over to the house to clarify some setups and assist with a repair!
In 1954, Cliff was employed by GCM, a small lithography company that later he would purchase and become Hoffman and Associates, located at 1550 Balsam in Lakewood. Cliff was sharing the building he was leasing on Balsam with an inventive and charismatic engine builder and racer, named John Bandimere. Cliff eventually purchased the building, expanded the business, and started several side businesses as well...including a mini golf course, and a moped rental.
When the neighbor's home up the street was set for demolition, Cliff ran over and saved many window handles and other hardware that matched those in his home, so there'd always be spares to keep his jalousie windows functioning properly.
Over the years, Cliff documented every update, repair, and system of operation for the different appliances of the home. All of his notes, including the original covenants from 1951, are part of a binder kept with the house. All the original blueprints and building plans were also carefully preserved.
Cliff owned and operated Hoffman and Associates into the mid 80s, retiring when he sold the business to a larger printing firm out of California. He spent most of his free time golfing and watching golf, attending his various men's clubs, and later on volunteering to visit other seniors needing assistance in their homes. He enjoyed spending his winters in Scottsdale, AZ, and was traveling solo to Scottsdale after the passing of his wife well into his early 90's.
Cliff loved his home at 30 Hillside, and fulfilled his wish of passing peacefully there at the age of 98 3/4 on October 9, 2021.
We all miss you so much Cliff!
Cliff, 2nd from left, recognized for his volunteer work.
Original floorplan of 30 Hillside Drive