Beth Hoffman, R.I.P.

Brian Doherty | December 2, 2008

Beth Hoffman, the longtime managing editor of The Freeman, the flagship publication of the Foundation for Economic Education, the first distinctly modern libertarian educational organization, has died at age 58. From FEE's note on her passing (which includes a reprint of a great explanation of inflation she wrote to a 10-year-old in 1981):

Freeman editor Sheldon Richman added, "We've lost a devoted, passionate champion of freedom and the free market, as well as the best steward of the English language that I've known. Her skills and dedication made a lasting impression on many people even if only by telephone, letter, or e-mail. In her low-key way she was a mentor to many, many young people who came through FEE over the years."

Comments

Sheldon Richman|12.2.08 @ 3:10PM|#

Thanks, Brian. FEE will not be the same.

|12.2.08 @ 3:16PM|#

The letter on inflation to the 10 year old is fantastic, and a copy of it should be distributed to everyone in Congress.

BakedPenguin|12.2.08 @ 3:52PM|#

Beth Hoffman was an excellent advocate for liberty, and it's a loss for everyone who wishes to see a freer world, in addition to the terrible loss for her family. RIP.

Paul|12.2.08 @ 4:22PM|#

Wow... 58

*looks nervously at calendar*

Sometimes life is shorter than you think...

Condolences to her family and friends.

Laissez Faire Books|12.2.08 @ 7:02PM|#

Beth was a lovely person and FEE and libertarianism has lost a real asset. Only this last week we were in discussion with beth regarding a reprint of Bastiat's The Law. She was always a joy to deal with, always friendly and a just a damn classy person.

Franklin Harris|12.2.08 @ 7:54PM|#

This is sad news.

Beth is the person who bought my very first article, way back in 1990, when I was fresh out of high school.

Franklin Harris|12.2.08 @ 7:56PM|#

She was always a joy to deal with, always friendly and a just a damn classy person.

I should add they she always took it in good humor when I complained about how my best jokes were edited out of the articles I wrote for The Freeman.