Former Oakland A's Owner Ken Hofmann Dies At 95

OAKLAND, CA — Home builder, philanthropist, former NFL and MLB team owner, husband and father. Ken Hofmann died Sunday at the age of 95, the Oakland A's announced Monday.

Hofmann and Stephen Schott purchased the A's in 1995 and sold them a decade later. Their goal was to save the team from moving out of the Bay Area. It was Hofmann's second foray into professional sports ownership. He owned the Seattle Seahawks from 1988 to 1997 in partnership with Ken Behring.

Hofmann was born in Oakland. After graduating from Fremont High School, he attended St. Mary's College for two years. He moved on to the US Merchant Marine Academy, where he earned his degree.

In the post-World War II home building boom, Hofmann started the Hofmann Company, earning a fortune as he developed Discovery Bay and other communities. According to an Oakland A's biography, "the Hofmann Company has built over 30,000 homes and apartments, along with over $150 million in other commercial and industrial properties. Today, the Hofmann Company operates two athletic clubs, a youth center and a championship golf course. Mr. Hofmann is a two-time president and a member of the Board of Directors of the Building Industry Association and also holds a membership with the National Association of Home Builders."

Hofmann is also well known for his work in philanthropy, most notably for efforts in youth sports and education, wetlands restoration and waterfowl protection.

Hofmann and his wife were residents of Lafayette.

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