William HOBBS

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HOBBS: Dr. William George R. passed away at his home in Brandon, MB on Saturday, September 29, 2012. He was in his 85th year of life. Bill was born at Alderney, Channel Islands, England on May 16, 1927. He was second oldest in a family of four boys born to Frederick and Anna Hobbs. Frederick Hobbs, a Major in the British Army, moved his family to many different postings in Europe and England which nurtured Bill's love of travel at an early age. Graduating from Bristol University in 1954 with his doctorate in medicine, Bill practiced in rural England and later proudly served as ship's surgeonon The Southern Cross. He immigrated to Canada in 1959 and settled in Gainsborough, SK. After many years "on call", he moved to Regina to open one of the first ever walk-in clinics, located at the Golden Mile. Bill loved medicine, yet he was also strongly drawn to art, even while in university. In his retirement, Bill became one of Canada's most famous railway artists. Queen Elizabeth's gallery in London, England, houses several of his paintings as well as many other galleries throughout the world. He received many prestigious art awards. As an active member of the Brandon Railway Club, Bill collected and modeled many cherished railway pieces. Bill is predeceased by his father and mother; brothers Fred and Dr. John, and daughter, Mandy. He is survived by his wife, Lois and sons Calder, Sefton and Caleb; his previous wife Hilda May, and daughters Portia, Mercedes, Britannia and Ally; sons, Godfrey and Cloudesley; brother Dennis (Christine); seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill will be greatly missed by his family and friends and the many people he touched throughout his extraordinary life. He brought British wit and humour to the people of the wide open prairies that he loved. Let us raise a pint to toast, but "not a word to the Vicar." A memorial service will be held at Memories Chapel, 330 18th Street North, Brandon, on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Ed Hildebrandt will officiate. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Bill may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 03, 2012