In Memoriam: Mark Hoffman (B. 1961, Go. 1960)

The Club is saddened to share the passing of Mark Hoffman (Trinity), who achieved his Blue in 1961, stroking Cambridge to victory in the 107th Boat Race.

After an initial delay, the 1961 Boat Race turned into a nail-biting contest, with the lead changing hands several times before the Oxford six-man nearly collapsed, disrupting their rhythm and allowing Cambridge to surge ahead and claim victory by 4¼ lengths in a remarkable time of 19 minutes and 22 seconds.

Mark was quoted in The Times as saying, “it was a tough race … but when I saw that one of the Oxford crew was in distress, I knew we could not help winning.”

Mark was raised in Oxford, Mississippi, USA and attended Harvard University where he rowed as a lightweight and captained the 1959 squad before receiving a BA in Economics at Trinity College, Cambridge. His dedication to rowing and young people continued throughout his life, having later served as Chairman of Leander Club.

Mark is survived by his wife MJ, their sons, and nine grandchildren to whom Mark has passed on his love of rowing and music. We extend our deepest condolences to all who are mourning Mark’s passing. We are profoundly grateful for his many years of loyal support to both the CUBC and Trinity First & Third, and he will be remembered with great affection and respect.