The death of famed Houston writer Ken Hoffman leaves us with few words

Houston has lost one of its biggest fans and one of its best writers. Ken Hoffman, a columnist for Houston’s CultureMap magazine, died suddenly this weekend.

Hoffman wrote for the Houston Post and the Houston Chronicle for decades before joining the CultureMap team in 2017.

A New Jersey native, he has written countless articles about his adopted hometown and all its quirks. He tells it like it is, sharing his love for Houston, the Astros, entertainment, television, food, dogs and so much more.

He hasn’t shied away from harsh words when he feels it’s necessary. His latest article published Friday offered a harsh critique of CenterPoint Energy and local leaders’ response to Hurricane Beryl. Culturemap reports that the article is already among their most-read articles of the year.

While many members of the KPRC 2 team had personal and meaningful relationships with Hoffman, even more of us were fortunate to work with his beloved wife Erin for many years. As we mourn the loss of Ken Hoffman, we pray for Erin and their son Andrew. Our thoughts are with them.

MESSAGES OF HOMAGE

CultureMap has shared several personal and touching stories about Hoffman on its site, which you can read here.

Recently retired Frank Billingsley, KPRC 2 Chief Meteorologist shared his condolences on Facebook:

“I first discovered Ken Hoffman when I moved to Houston in 1989, with those Sunday “Letters” and, of course, he became a favorite read as well as a much-loved friend. I respected not only his talent as an intelligent writer, but his unmatched ability to “tell it like it is,” to see the dark side with a bright side, and to bring even the most mundane subject to light. My prayers go out to his wife, Erin, with whom I worked at KPRC, and to 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:

“I just learned that Houston writer and humorist Ken Hoffman passed away this morning. Ken was a particularly intelligent writer who left the Houston Chronicle after many years to write for Culture Map. I have known and loved this man for over forty years, and he leaves his wife, son, and our city with a sadness that is hard to measure.”

Ancient Harris County Judge Ed Emmett posted on Facebook:

“Ken Hoffman’s untimely death leaves a void in our community. Beneath the irreverent and humorous veneer was a fascinating person who knew how to be a true friend. I know he will be missed.”

Amy Davis, KPRC 2 investigative reporter sharing:

It’s really sad to hear the news about Ken Hoffman. He just wrote an article about the power outages two days ago.

He came to speak with the staff of the Daily Cougar at the University of Houston when I was in school. He talked about how he made the transition from the Houston Post to the Chronicle after it closed. He said that while other employees were walking out of the Post carrying boxes, upset, angry and crying, he used humor as only he could to lighten the heavy mood they were all feeling.

He said a TV reporter asked him what he was planning to do next… and he replied that he had already started rehearsing for his next job. “Oh yeah, what is it?” the reporter asked.

“Would you like some fries with that?” Hoffman asked.

He started working for the Chronicle very soon after…and then CultureMap. He was a very talented and kind person. He will be missed.

#RIP

Davis’ memory is tied to the title of a 1999 book Hoffman published, “Want Fries With That?” about fast food, pop culture and life’s dilemmas.

Some of Hoffman’s favorite restaurants also posted their condolences.

Kenny & Ziggy Delicatessen in New York wrote:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and right-hand man Ken Hoffman. He was a huge fan and friend of the deli over the years, and we extend our condolences to his family and friends.

A few years ago, we added a namesake sandwich to the menu for Ken, an off-menu creation he often ordered. Come enjoy a Ken Hoffman sandwich in his honor – chicken salad on toast with lots of bacon.

Fuzzy’s Pizza in Katy published:

In Memory of Ken Hoffman: A Beloved Man and Cherished Family Friend

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ken Hoffman, a cherished family friend and former esteemed editor of the Houston Chronicle. Ken was not only a brilliant writer, but a true man 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 have been instrumental in our success. We will always be grateful for his kind words and support. His passion for storytelling and genuine love for our pizza have made him a treasured family friend and an integral part of our journey.

Ken left behind a legacy of warmth, kindness and an unfailing ability to lift the spirits of those around him. His contributions to the Houston Chronicle and his heartfelt articles about Fuzzy’s Pizza will be forever remembered.

May his memory be a blessing.

-Jeff Hajjar, owner of Fuzzy’s Pizza Katy

INTERVIEW WITH HOFFMAN

In 2007, Mike McGuff, a local blogger, interviewed 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.