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BORN
1936
DIED
2018
Richard Tobias Obituary
Richard M. Tobias, of Tallmadge, passed away peacefully at home on July 4th, 2018.
A boundless capacity for service started in the 1950's when Richard became a "Sea-Going Cowboy" for Heifer International, through the early 60's as a member of the Brethren Volunteer Service, his long career at the Ohio Department of Youth Services, driving a school bus post retirement for Hudson City Schools, and serving in Hiroshima Japan at the World Friendship Center as the co-director of Peace Studies, teaching and running the center's bed and breakfast from 2013-2015. His love of adventure and the outdoors led him to hike everywhere from the ancient forests of the Appalachian Trail to the invisible cathedrals high in the Rocky Mountains, to canoeing countless waterways across the Midwest. His last months were spent receiving family and friends from parts far and near, telling stories, sharing memories and bidding bittersweet farewells. A singer and writer of songs, he was a member of the Eastwood Church of the Brethren for many years which sustained him both spiritually and physically. No doubt his pilgrim soul has embarked on many more adventures along the shining path to home.
Born December 27th, 1936 in Akron, Ohio he was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Emily Tobias; one of eleven children, he is survived by wife, Xinia and their daughters, Connie (Christian) and Hanna (Adam) and three children from his previous marriage --- sons, Tim (Shawna), Todd (Carla), daughter Jennifer (Steve) and three grandchildren, Emma, Nathaniel and Maya.
Visiting hours will be July 14th 2 to 4 p.m., followed by a memorial service 4 p.m. at the Eastwood Church of the Brethren, 581 Darrow Rd., Akron, OH 44305. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Tobias
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
Richard Weaver
September 2, 2018
Prayers for the family.
July 23, 2018
Worked with Toby in the Akron Region in the late 1980s. He was always willing to help me when I was in a bind. Sad to see he left us to early. Jeff Anderson
Judy Melnyk
July 17, 2018
So sorry for your loss Tim & Shawna. Tim you look so much like your Dad. My condolences to you & your family. May he rest in Peace.
Love Aunt Judy & family
Jim and Alaine Hanna
July 16, 2018
To Xinia, Connie, Hanna, Tim, Todd, and Jen
I was very saddened when I first heard about Richard's illness from his sister, Ida Jean. I called and was able to have a nice conversation with him as we talked about memories of times past when we spent time together in Akron and Indiana at family reunions which my parents (known as Uncle Jake and Aunt Kate) often attended. Being close in age, Rich and I palled around together as youngsters and had great times. The last time I saw him was when my wife and I visited Ohio and Indiana so I could gather information about the Hanna Family History, started by our Uncle Homer in 1964, which I was working to update. We visited the church and later spent the night with Richard, Xinia, and the girls where we had fun playing guitar and singing and talking about old times. We were in Canada when he died and didn't hear about it until a few days ago. We are so sorry that he will no longer be here in body, but his life will be forever remembered for his goodness, dedication to his family and church, and all the service that he rendered in his efforts to help his fellow man.
Connie Sommers
July 15, 2018
May dear Richard rest in peace, faith, hope, and love.
My condolences to all.
Kathleen Sommers-Lewis
July 14, 2018
Tim, Todd & Jen,
So sorry to hear of Uncle Richard's passing. I want you to know even though we may not be able to be out there with you, your cousins on the east coast are thinking of all of you and you are all in our prayers. Love to all. Kathleen Sommers-Lewis
Augustus Green
July 10, 2018
This is Gus (Jimbo) Green. I will be calling but just wanted you to know how much he meant to me. As a youth and even thru the years as remembering how much of a positive effect he had on so many. R.I.P. one of Gods treasures.
July 10, 2018
One by one this wonderful family is getting smaller. Never thought Richard would be next. I knew him as a small child. His faith never wavered and service to others was a priority to him. Will miss him leading our congregation singing and solos too. Your sister-in-law, Peggy.
Pam Sanders
July 10, 2018
I can see your smile and pink cheeks as you walk up to say hello! You were such a sweet man, caring & kind. Thank you for sharing your heart & love of Jesus with us through your music and faith.
Lifting you up Aunt Xenia, Connie, Hannah, & family
Prayers, Pam & Mike Sanders
Debra
July 9, 2018
You will be truly missed by all! Your smile was very comforting and singing was so great! The wasn't a Sunday I didn't look forward to hearing your voice ring throughout the church.
Xinia, Connie and Hanna-my love to all and my God comfort you at this difficult time.
Love,
Deb
Katie Woollard-Ferguson
July 8, 2018
Tobias Family,I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I've known Richard since I was a little girl. He was my Sunday School teacher as I entered my teen years and he did my family the honor of singing at my mother's funeral a few years ago. Now he is using his beautiful voice amoung the angels. Bless you all abd you are all in my prayers.
Suzi Hanna
July 8, 2018
What a remarkable man Richard was; and how lucky we are to have known him. He helped teach our kids Bible stories, he whitewater rafted with Ben and Jim, Jim and I sang together with Richard and Xinia, and the list goes on. We have nothing but lovely memories of Richard and his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He had strength with compassion, caring with action, and love of God and family over all.
Xinia, our love and prayers continue. May God continue to hold you close and comfort your heart
Jim and Suzi
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