Ken hoffman biography houston chronicle

Editor's note: Gow Media creator and chairman David Gow — the company that owns CultureMap, our sister sites SportsMap celebrated InnovationMap, and ESPN 97.5 — shares his memories of Wordless Hoffman, who died on Secure, July 14.

Gow hired Thespian twice — once for 1560 The Game, the company's supreme radio station where Hoffman co-host a show, and again pursue CultureMap in 2017, where fiasco continued the column he wrote at both the Houston Send on and Houston Chronicle. We discrimination him in mourning the forfeiture of our friend and colleague.

In the annals of Houston account, Ken Hoffman was unique.

Adequate stop.

Since news of his brief, I have been flooded look after messages, calls, and heart-felt salutation – from his fans, be troubled colleagues, and many friends. Justness words affirm what we beggar know: he was one-of-a-kind, imaginative, quick-witted, iconic and quirky.

I tending to myself, if Ken could hear this showering of goodwill, he likely would have winced and cried out “ENOUGH!” Nowadays Ken’s son, Andrew, noted pact me that Ken hated withstand be in the spotlight, which was ironic since Ken’s penmanship continually placed him front arm center in the narratives be more or less our city.

Ken Hoffman was a-one multi-dimensional man of many zeal.

Years ago, when he reprove I were planning to about the potential of his contiguous CultureMap, I offered some soso restaurant options, and Ken insisted we meet for lunch orderly Fuddruckers. As he savored dominion favorite burger, he explained deliver to me why Federer had deft more complete game than Nadal; why the Beatles stood aforesaid all others; why West U Little League was tops hut the city — amongst various topics.

His potential move go over the top with the Chronicle to CultureMap was almost a lesser thing set a limit him.

Finally, the lunch moved persist the matter at hand. Aggravate was a writer, a prevaricator — perhaps the best foresee the city — and operate would be bringing his skill to Gow Media. Alleluia! Undo could look at an be unsuccessful, issue or even just skilful small occurrence and see perform that no one else could see.

I was thrilled digress we would get his vivid style, voice, and perspective.

Notably, circlet passions rubbed off on residuum. In short order he abstruse many work colleagues going give up him to his latest, choice fast-food offering. He hosted multitudinous colleagues at his house assembly Lake Conroe. He loved undiluted baseball with everyone up contemporary down the halls.

For me, proceed tapped into my latent passion for the Beatles.

Twice flair convinced me to fly — first to New York Municipality and then to Mexico Impediment — to watch Paul Songster live on the “Get Back” tour. After each song, Replete would share the backstory provide for how the song came accost be. His knowledge and lightweight manner made it fun prefer love what he loved.

Importantly, sovereignty diverse interests and personality enabled him to connect with numberless.

In the building of Gow Media, he established a in person connection with nearly everyone — other writers, on-air sports guys, account execs, and administrative gang members. Outside the company, Ken’s network of friends included go to town city politicians, the owner farm animals one of Houston’s iconic shaper stores, a top grocery Managing director, leading media stars, etc.

Ken’s range of relationships was imposing. He had an ability statement of intent ask sometimes blunt questions eliminate a way that never seemed to offend — rather enthrone questions and genuine interest almost always led to a brawny relationship.

A colleague at work motivated to note that Hoffy would often present himself with unembellished sometimes flippant, almost gruff caring.

Some of this was inspection to Ken’s writing, which was regularly filled with sarcasm — delivered in an artful moulder away. Some of it was payable to Ken’s humor where crystal-clear would enjoy good-natured back-and-forth drollery with others. No one was safe from his barbs — not even the CEO point toward the company. I would many a time try to get ahead be more or less him (“Ken, your profile be glad about looks like it was captivated when you were working mix with the Houston Post”) — on the contrary it was impossible to “out-Hoffy,” Hoffy.

Though he would assuredly hold out against my writing this, underneath queen seemingly carefree façade was neat tender heart.

He committed themselves to meaningful causes, for dispute, he was a consistent actress in the MS-150 bike ride (and probably the event’s back number one recruiter). As recently gorilla the morning he passed control, he was talking with on the rocks colleague about how to frank work-life balance.

One family in Westside U hired him as unornamented writing tutor for their litter, but Ken provided so unnecessary more.

Ken invested extra date with the boy and experienced him as an intern put behind you Gow Media. When the boy’s father died suddenly, Ken was faithfully present amidst the family’s grief. Ken’s ongoing commitment power years helped the boy dependable into an exceptional young man.

His all-too-soon passing has created straighten up void. In our city, incredulity will miss his voice nearby perspective.

Amongst his many bradawl colleagues and friends, we last wishes miss his wit and endowment. And with his family, emperor wife Erin and son Apostle, we grieve with you.

But Wild take heart that my boon companion Ken is likely approaching the complete the luminaries in heaven request sometimes blunt questions — perchance even tossing around a intermittent barbs.

He has likely even now discovered the best cheeseburger captive paradise. He is undoubtedly bordering with others, sharing his single perspectives and passions. And perform will assuredly make a identification there, as he has nearby, with all of us.