By Chris Mayhew
Enquirer staff writer

HEBRON - Whether he was working at his union job for the Ford Motor Co. pulling 14-hour days seven days a week, or tinkering on watches in his basement, William L. Hoffman loved to keep busy, said his son-in-law, Scott Thorp.

A resident of Canton, Mich., and originally from Hebron, he died Wednesday at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Superior Township, Mich.

From the 1950s until his retirement in 1996, he worked as an inspector and supervisor of the furnaces for transmission parts at the Ford Motor Co.'s plant in Livonia, Mich.

"He worked seven days a week and 14-15 hours a day," Thorp said. "He just told me recently he wanted to go back. He loved to be busy."

During World War II, Hoffman served as a rear gunner on a B-29, flying bombing missions for the Army Air Corps.

He was quiet, yet very giving, Thorp said.

"Every once in a while he would surprise us with a real funny joke - clean - but funny," Thorp said.

He was independent and the type of person who liked to get up with the dawn and keep busy late into the evening, Thorp said.

"Two weeks ago, I tried to cut his lawn and he wouldn't let me," Thorp said.

He cared for his garden every chance he could, and in recent years had won an award for having one of the prettiest homes and gardens from the City of Canton, Thorp said.

He found time to repair watches in his basement most of his life until digital watches became so popular, Thorp said.

He spent time fishing, playing 'kick-the-can" and giving advice to his grandchildren, because they would always go to ask him for it, Thorp said.

"He adored his grandchildren," Thorp said.

During the last four years he spent almost all of his time caring for his wife, Betty F. Hoffman, who has been ill.

Other survivors include his son, Gary of San Diego; two daughters, Diane Cook of Canton, and Donna Thorp of Redford, Mich.; a brother, Woodrow Hoffman of Midland, Mich.; a sister, Margaret Cave of Burlington; 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Hebron Lutheran Cemetery on Limaburg Road in Hebron. Middendorf-Bullock Funeral Home in Hebron is handling local arrangements.

Memorials: Faith Bible Church, 34541 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154.

E-mail cmayhew@enquirer.com