Remembering Henry Clay
Hofheimer II:
The Gold Standard
February 16, 2005
 NORFOLK—At a Feb. 9 remembrance service,
Henry Clay
Hofheimer II was remembered as an admired business man, a resourceful
community leader, a generous philanthropist, a tireless champion of
his beloved native Norfolk and one of the earliest and most ardent
supporters of EVMS.
But he was also remembered as a
connoisseur of oysters and chocolate, a sharp wit with a teasing sense
of humor, a tremendous lover of his many pet dogs, and most of all, a
devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Hofheimer was a leading force behind the
first fundraising campaign that established EVMS, and he was the first
Chairman and President of the EVMS Foundation, the school's
fundraising arm. He died Sunday February 6, 2005, at the age of 98.
Hofheimer's youngest daughter, Clay H.
Barr, greeted the capacity crowd in EVMS' Lewis Hall auditorium and
spoke of the great pleasure Hofheimer took in mentoring young people
to become community leaders.
One of those protégés, attorney Vincent
J. Mastracco Jr., called Hofheimer "a profound influence on my life."
"As my friend and mentor, he guided me in my
understanding of the importance of quality involvement in community
matters," said Mastracco, who is currently a member of the EVMS
Foundation Board of Trustees and the foundation's vice president for
investments.
Mastracco recounted how Hofheimer
recruited Mastracco to the Foundation Board of Trustees, while
instructing Mastracco to discourage the board from re-nominating
Hofheimer.
"That was his way of saying, 'The
underpinnings are in place, now its time for others to step up and
take charge,'" Mastracco said. "Here was a man who really knew when to
let go and let others step up—one of his wonderful traits."
 Among Hofheimer's many reasons for
supporting EVMS, Mastracco said, was that the institution acted as a
catalyst in bringing together the cities of Hampton Roads.
"Certainly there are others who have been recognized as leaders, but
few had the vision and curiosity and energy that he had," Mastracco
said. "He refused to be bound by convention and was always open to new
and fresh ideas."
Mason C. Andrews, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology and one
of the institution's founders, said Hofheimer derived great
satisfaction from his role in creating EVMS.
"Possibly because it involved successful application of a combination
of skills rarely possessed by a single individual," he said.
Hofheimer, whose guidance and support were also important in launching
the Jones Institute, did not seek recognition, Andrews said, but
Hofheimer Hall [the school's chief clinical facility, named for
Hofheimer and his wife, Elise] will continue to remind the community
of his role.
"Forever is a long time, but I would ask your tolerance of my
assertion that the people of Hampton Roads will forever have a better
life because of the skills and leadership of Henry Clay Hofheimer," he
concluded.
Adm. Harry D. Train II, USN-Ret., president of the Future of Hampton
Roads, became acquainted with Hofheimer upon moving to Norfolk with
the Navy. He said Hofheimer's boundless energy often left him
breathless.
"He was so much older than I was and he still wore me out," Train
said.
Train also recounted Hofheimer's genius fundraising ability and his
commitment to his community.
"If you want to see the Henry Clay
Hofheimer legacy, look around you," Train said. "His legacy is
everywhere."
Clay Barr and other family members spoke of Hofheimer's devotion to
his wife, children and grandchildren and his playful nature.
"As for the love of his life, he liked to say that my mother chased
him from the age of 4, but it took her 20 years to catch him," Barr
said. "And lucky for him that she did."
Elena H.B. Baum, one of Hofheimer's granddaughters, recounted how her
grandfather was often seen taking his long walks through Ghent with
any one of his much-loved dogs at his side.
As a child, Baum would often walk with him, but found it difficult to
keep up with his brisk pace.
"My legs were obviously shorter than his and half as many as the dogs,
and it was very difficult for me to keep up," Baum said. "He
de-accelerated just enough of his powerful stride to set a pace where
I could barely keep up with him without running, as though he were
somehow urging me on, helping me to move forward. And I think he did
that not only when he walked with people, but I think he did it in his
philanthropic life as well. He brought others with him, leading by
example and urging others to do better."
Hope Mihalap, who grew up with Hofheimer's eldest daughter Elise,
remembered Hofheimer's dog-walking excursions a little differently.
"I'm here to say that I think the dogs walked him," Mihalap said. "I
had seen them pulling him along at 50 miles per hour."
Mihalap also noted Hofheimer's love of good food and affection for his
canine companions.
"He was a man of tremendous wit and a wonderful family man equally
with his remarkable achievements as a civic leader," Mihalap said. "I
just hope that wherever he goes, there are plenty of good projects,
good kennels and good food."
Wesley Wright Jr., Hofheimer's son-in-law and husband of the oldest
Hofheimer daughter, stood with his daughter, Elise Parker Wright, as
they spoke of Hofheimer's generous spirit and the grace with which he
lived his life.
"Above all else, Henry Clay loved people," said Wright, who previously
served on the EVMS Board of Visitors. "He was always kind and
even-tempered. He looked for the good in people and they brought out
the best in him."
Barr concluded the service by recounting a recent visit to her
father's home from a man who introduced himself only as Richard.
When asked how Hofheimer was doing, Barr told the man that her father
was dying.
The man's eyes filled with tears, Barr said, and he told her how one
summer during college he was short of the money he needed to go on
with his education.
"He told me that my father had given him the job of enclosing the
elevator they were installing for my mother so that he could complete
his schooling," Barr said. "At the end of our conversation, he said,
'That man was the gold standard.' He was that and more. My father was
a great Southern gentleman, a man of honor, respect and dignity. He
will be profoundly missed. Gramps, what a meaningful legacy you have
left behind as a father, grandfather, great grandfather, citizen and
friend. An era of greatness has ended."
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For more information, contact:
Doug Gardner, Director of News and
Publications
EVMS Office of Institutional
Advancement
(757) 446-6070 -
gardneda@evms.edu
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