Clayton Bruce Hoffman, known to many as “Coach Hoffman,” passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 21,2025 in Sheridan, Wyoming. He was 88 years old.

Born in Austin, Minnesota, on January 29, 1937, Bruce Hoffman spent his early years in Laramie, Wyoming, after relocating with his parents, Robert and Esther, and his sister, Clarice.

Growing up near the University of Wyoming sparked a lifelong love for basketball that would become both his passion and his calling. After high school, Bruce played for one year at Valparaiso University in Indiana and another at Clark Community College in Washington. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at Wayne State University in Nebraska before returning to Laramie to earn his Master’s degree. While there, he served as the graduate assistant for the University of Wyoming Cowboys basketball team, solidifying his desire to coach and mentor young student athletes.

After coaching for four years in Evanston, Wyoming, Bruce made the final move of his life to Sheridan, Wyoming where he was hired as the Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director for the Sheridan College Generals. Sheridan became not only his home, but the heart of his life’s work. For over 50 years, he served as an educator, coach, and trustee, helping shape the lives of countless students both on and off the court.

A few of his accomplishments include: a win-loss record of 712-434, 651 of those at Sheridan College which ranks him #37 on the NJCAA all-time wins list, inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame (1995), inducted into the Wyoming Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1984), Inducted into the Wyoming Sports Hall of Fame (2003), and he coached the Gold Medal winning basketball team at the 1986 United States Olympic Festival.

Although he retired as Head Coach of Sheridan College in 1999, Bruce continued to coach during his retirement, sharing his love of the game with students at Sheridan High School. He never stopped giving to the community or to the sport that meant so much to him.

Bruce was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Penelope, his true love and partner in life, whom he married on July 29, 1967. He adored her completely, and their love was evident to all who knew them. She passed away in 2021.

He is survived by his children Patrick Hoffman, Rob (Julie) Hoffman, Tempe (Russ) Fleming, and Todd (Heidi) Hoffman; his grandchildren Stefan and Mikayla Hoffman, Kelsey and Michael Fleming, and Alex and Laurel Hoffman; and his cherished friends Bill and Cyndi Phillips, to whom his family owes so much.

Bruce deeply loved the city and county of Sheridan, the state of Wyoming, and the wild beauty of the Big Horn Mountains - where he found peace while fishing and camping. He was a man of steady strength, generous spirit, and quiet wisdom. He inspired with his actions, led with integrity, and loved his family and friends with his whole heart.

He leaves behind a legacy not just in wins and honors, but in the people he guided, the community he strengthened, and the love he gave so freely.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on May 31, 2025, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Sheridan, Wyoming.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Sheridan Event Center c/o SHS Booster Club, 1056 Long Dr., Sheridan, WY 82801

Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

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