The Club is saddened to share the passing of Mark Hoffman (Trinity), who achieved his Blue in 1961, stroking Cambridge to victory in the 107th Boat Race.
After an initial delay, the 1961 Boat Race turned into a nail-biting contest, with the lead changing hands several times before the Oxford six-man nearly collapsed, disrupting their rhythm and allowing Cambridge to surge ahead and claim victory by 4¼ lengths in a remarkable time of 19 minutes and 22 seconds.
Mark was quoted in The Times as saying, “it was a tough race … but when I saw that one of the Oxford crew was in distress, I knew we could not help winning.”
Mark was raised in Oxford, Mississippi, USA and attended Harvard University where he rowed as a lightweight and captained the 1959 squad before receiving a BA in Economics at Trinity College, Cambridge. His dedication to rowing and young people continued throughout his life, having later served as Chairman of Leander Club.
Mark is survived by his wife MJ, their sons, and nine grandchildren to whom Mark has passed on his love of rowing and music. We extend our deepest condolences to all who are mourning Mark’s passing. We are profoundly grateful for his many years of loyal support to both the CUBC and Trinity First & Third, and he will be remembered with great affection and respect.
Mark’s wife MJ has asked the Club to share the following message with our members, “We have been deeply appreciative of the kind thoughts so many of you have expressed following Mark’s recent death.
There will be a Memorial Service at 1pm on Friday, 7th November at St. George’s Church, Aubrey Walk, London W8 7JG. The service will be followed by a tea from 2:30-4:30pm in the Orangery, Holland Park. This is a short drive or 15 minute walk away (The Orangery, Holland Park, London W8 6LU).
Please share this announcement with others that may wish to attend, as we may not have email addresses for all.
If you plan to attend, please let us know by replying emailing markhoffmanmemorial@gmail.com so we have an indication of numbers.
Warm regards,
MJ and Nick, John, and James”