WILFRED ROBERT (BILL) HOBSON

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WILFRED ROBERT (BILL) HOBSON December 16, 1930 April 12, 2008 On Saturday April 12, 2008 at the Grace Hospital, Bill passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family. Remaining to forever cherish Bill's memory are his wife of 53 years, Shirley; daughters Denise, Patricia (Allan), Michele (Pete) with grandsons Kieran and Spencer; son, Robert (Heather) with grandkids Cole and Chelsea; brother Daniel; as well as many other family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Madeline and George; and brothers George and Gordon. Born in Oak Point Manitoba, Dad grew up loving the outdoors and sports. Many summers were spent playing baseball and winters playing hockey with his brothers and friends. He moved to Winnipeg where he finished his schooling at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. After graduation he joined the C.N.R. and worked for 39 years in the Transcona Shops before retiring in 1989. Dad also spent many years working for Winnipeg Enterprises in the parking lots of the Stadium and Arena. Two of his greatest passions were fishing and hunting. Many falls were spent hunting ducks, geese and prairie chickens around Oak Point and the fields west of Winnipeg. Every spring Dad watched and listened for the first geese of the season. He had many hunting partners during that time and many memories were made. Dad loved to fish. He was the fishing guide for countless friends and family over the years. His favorite place in the world was the island at Lake of the Woods. He helped build the cabin in 1956 and when an opportunity to buy it came about he could not resist. Many summers were spent fishing and enjoying nature, in particular his feathered friends, the Loons. In his later years his favourite fishing partners were his Grandchildren. He loved going out in the boat with them and passing on his love of nature and the outdoors. Dad was a good friend who could always be counted on in times of need. His tool shed was always open and his hands always available for anyone who needed anything. He loved gardening and his vegetable gardens served his family and the neighbourhood year after year. Bill was involved in hockey, first as a player and then as a referee until an injury forced him off the ice. In 1977 he was made an honorary lifetime member of the Winnipeg Minor Hockey Association and recognized by the Canadian Minor Hockey Association for his contributions as a referee in chief, convener and registrar to youth hockey in Winnipeg. The family wishes to thank the Doctors, nurses and aides from 3North at the Grace Hospital for their care, attention and comfort they gave to Dad during his stay. Dad's funeral service will be held on Friday, April 18 at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Stephen's and St. Bedes Church, 99 Turner Avenue at Mount Royal Road. In lieu of flowers, donations, in Dad's memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 16, 2008