Barry Hoffner, a grieving husband, recounts the tragic moment he received the devastating news of his wife’s fatal encounter with an elephant. The couple’s love story began in college, blossoming into a lifelong bond during a trip to India. Barry, a former banker, and his wife, Jackie, embarked on adventurous travels across the globe, eventually settling in various countries and raising their two sons.
In 2017, Barry’s world shattered when he learned of Jackie’s untimely demise in Botswana. The heartbreaking news arrived while he was en route to meet her in Nairobi. The sudden loss left him in a state of shock and immense responsibility, especially with his sons scattered across different continents.
Struggling to cope with the tragedy, Barry made efforts to break the news gently to his sons, seeking support from a rabbi and focusing on their well-being. As he navigated the aftermath, he found solace in travel, embarking on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Despite the profound grief, Barry’s resilience led him to explore diverse cultures and connect with people worldwide.
Honoring Jackie’s memory, Barry expanded their charitable work through the Caravan to Class foundation, creating the Bourse Jackie Scholarship to empower young women in West Africa. Through educational initiatives, the program aims to cultivate future female leaders and carry forward Jackie’s legacy.
Currently residing in California, Barry looks ahead to completing his global tour by visiting North Korea, the last country on his list. Grateful for the opportunities to move forward, he acknowledges the bittersweet journey of loss and growth. Barry’s story of resilience and transformation is chronicled in his book, “Belonging to the World: A Journey from Grief to Connection in Every Country on Earth.”
