DOUGLAS PALMER HOBSON

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DOUGLAS PALMER HOBSON Douglas Palmer Hobson, born October 8, 1918, passed away February 18, 2011 with family by his side, treasuring every moment with him. His goal was to live to the same age as his beloved mother, Anne Palmer, and like her, he passed peacefully in his early 90s. Captain Douglas Palmer Hobson was one of a kind. He enjoyed a full life, was loved by many and had an impact on numerous others. He was the measure of a man , generous, intelligent, full of humour, pride, and an unshakable ethical foundation. Most of all he was stubborn, but you can't really say that's a fault . One of his favourite sayings was, I was only wrong once in my life, and that was the time I thought I was wrong, but I wasn't. He set the standard of being the best, through his high expectations, love, guidance, and time. Born in Hamiota, Manitoba, Doug spent most of his youth living in Saskatoon. Early in life he set out to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, but found himself across the street in the Air Force recruiting office instead signing up on the spot. Doug was an R.C.A.F. pilot in the Second World War and a pilot for Trans Canada Airlines/Air Canada for 33 years, recording a professional flying time of almost four years in the air. Posted overseas in the Second World War, Doug flew extra missions so his comrades could go home early. While in service, Doug was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. Returning from the war, Doug married in Toronto and his first daughter Cheryl was born. The marriage didn't last and contrary to the legal standard of the day, he was granted full custody of his daughter. He gave credit to Irwin Dorfman, QC stating You'd better have the second best lawyer in town, because I have the best . These events predated Kramer vs. Kramer . In 1954, he married Mary Evelyn Everett, a union lasting their lifetime. He was a man of many memories, many friends and stories...his famous stories. When Doug and Mary went to Trinidad for their honeymoon, he packed soccer shoes and equipment for children in the villages. One of his greatest memories was meeting Winston Churchill when posted in an R.C.A.F. camp in Africa. Another was his fondness for football and strong friendship with Indian Jack Jacobs, Quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. His sidekick John (Barney) Higham, and his friends Flexman, Finkbeiner, Falk, Loftus, Vann and Prime deserve mention. He had a habit of writing the top man when he had a philosophical difference or a political point to make. Quotes included pigs at the public trough . He treasured responses from John Diefenbaker, Pierre Trudeau and Duff Roblin with their personal signatures. Although he never met the Queen, she visited Winnipeg in the 1960s and her motorcade came right down Whytewold Road. He made sure the lawn hoses and sprinklers were on and flowing so spectators lining the street wouldn't wreck his lawn. In the 1960s, riverbank property in La Salle, Manitoba was purchased and became the family's home. He was a master landscaper, gardener, carpenter, golfer and fisherman. Adventures with family were numerous: boat rides on the river, fishing for catfish, walking on stilts, endless games of rummy and cribbage (he never lost), a menagerie of pets both domestic and wild, and Saturday morning turns at navigating. He would wake his children, hand over the road map and let them pick which town would be chosen for breakfast. He was most accurate when throwing the rotten tomatoes in the annual clean up the garden fight. On Sunday morning he and his young children would set out for Deer Lodge United Church, but he would inevitably forget to turn, heading to La Salle instead (sorry, mom). He could ride a horse, sing up a storm, play a mean game of table tennis. We all remember the famous match between our dad and the best player in La Salle . Every teenager in the area observed the event on a summer evening in the garage with many hanging in rafters for the best view. He won the game because, well, he just had to although it damn near killed him . Doug is predeceased by his parents Harry and Anne, his beloved wife, Mary, and his siblings: Janet, Arthur, Will, Ruth, Hazel, Marguerite and Jack. He leaves to mourn daughter Cheryl Brock (Bill), daughter Peggy (Les), son Douglas (Shaun), grandchildren: Kelly, Bill, James, Colby, Mathew (Samantha), Casey, Anna, Kaylee (Anthony), Douglas, Hillary, Katelyn, Abigail, great-grandchildren: Sebastian, Kamryn, Maggie, Devina, Kingsley, Sofia, Zander, Terran Douglas. The family sincerely acknowledges, with thanks, Deer Lodge staff for their care and friendship with our dad. Doug was very happy at Deer Lodge and although intent on giving staff a hard time , he and the staff developed a mutual fondness for each other. We acknowledge Elizabeth, from WeCare, for her sincerity and companionship. We have truly been blessed to have you as our father, grandfather, friend, hero and have all felt your love. HDW . We have, we do and we always will love you! Ditto. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. A private family celebration of life will be held. THOMPSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 26, 2011