Missie Hobson

Former San Luis Obispo County resident, Missie Hobson, died after a long struggle with breast cancer Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010, in Fort Collins, Colo. Missie and her husband, Larry Hobson, both long-time San Luis residents, recently retired to Windsor, Colo., to be close to their children and grandchildren. Born and raised in Woodland, Calif., Missie moved to San Luis Obispo in the early 1970s to major in journalism at Cal Poly. While a student, she began part-time work at local radio and television stations having landed as KSBY-TV''s weatherperson in 1975. Missie then worked two years as a news producer at the CBS affiliate in Los Angeles before returning to San Luis Obispo in 1980 to co-anchor the KSBY-TV newscast. She joined Pacific Gas and Electric Company''s public affairs department in 1983, where she worked closely with community groups and managed the utility''s local charitable contributions program, until health problems prevented her from working day to day at PG&E. Missie was extremely active in her community having served on the boards of the Mid-State Fair, Sierra Vista Hospital, Cuesta College Foundation and Economic Vitality Corporation. Her many friends and admirers will miss her sunny optimism, loyalty, humor and unfailing willingness to extend a helping hand and sympathetic ear to the many people she loved. Missie''s infectious laughter was widely recognized around San Luis, and lifted the spirits of everyone around her. Missie was famously devoted to her family: husband of 30 years, Larry Hobson; son, Matthew Hobson; daughter, Lacey Pacheco (Jeff ); Lacey and Jeff''s young sons Peyton and Bear, all of Colorado. She is also survived by stepdaughters Becky Hobson and Mandi Haase, both of the East Bay; brother, Bruce Pires (Brenda) of Atascadero; and parents, Beverly and Lawrence Pires of Woodland. A life-long cat lover, Missie would have insisted that her devoted and much-loved feline companion Siamese cat, Moses, get his due as an important member of her family, too. A celebration of Missie''s life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., with a program at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. In lieu of flowers or a formal service, the family requests that donations be made in Missie''s name to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. A scholarship in her name will also be established at Cuesta Community College. On a personal note, Missie requested that her friends and colleagues share a fond memory with her children, who are devastated by the loss of their beloved mother at such a young age. If you knew Missie and have an experience to share with them, please write it down and send it, along with a photo if you have it, to: Lacey and Jeff Pacheco, P.O. Box 92, Windsor, CO 80550. They will be compiled into a memory book for her children and grandchildren.