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RC Hobson Obituary
1949 - 2021
Dapper, dignified denizen of Chicago's Gold Coast for decades. Raconteur, restaurant connoisseur, rare book collector, railroad aficionado, jazz drummer, and former stringer for the Chicago Reader. Managed everything from nationally-known psychic, Irene Hughes, to hot, local cabaret, "The Raccoon Club," including his own private jazz group, "Mr. Bob's Latin Motown Band Featuring The Bobettes."
Lifelong friends include millionaires and missionaries, nurses and night watchmen, ad writers, screenwriters, artists, pianists, poets, gospel singers, craftsmen...all sorts and sizes. Burned his candle at both ends (and the middle.) Developed close personal relationships with columnists, concierges, conductors, and finally COVID.
Survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Lyn, concerned cat, Ruthie, brokenhearted pals from Chicago to Seattle, New York to New Delhi, London to Los Angeles, and points all over heck. Memorial gathering will be announced. Donations in his name to the Illinois Railway Museum would be cool.
Clear track ahead, God speed Mr. Bob.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RC Hobson
Sue Emmel
August 12, 2024
Oh wow! There you are, Bob Hobson! Every now and then someone special comes into your life, never to depart. Bob is one of those rare and unforgettable souls; and ours is one of those rare and unforgettable relationships too unique to describe. So now I´m thinking he must have been the Angel in my ear who prompted me to google him a moment ago because, sure enough, as always, he´s way out there, still doing his thing! Thank God for the kind of love that´s stretchy; it´s the connective tissue that binds us all from here to eternity! Your kind of awesome just outgrew this world, Bob! You never fail to inspire!
Steve Hirsch
November 19, 2023
So sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Bob. I worked with him at the Book Market in the early 80s and greatly enjoyed his friendship. We lost touch when I moved back to NC in 1984.
A kind, charming man who is missed.
Shannon B Voykin
December 10, 2022
Mr. Bob was my favorite boss. I worked for him doing sound and lights at the Raccoon Club in the 80's. He was so warm and funny. Everyone loved him! God bless you dear Mr. Bob.
Debi Giannini
November 9, 2021
I had the good fortune to meet Bob when I was a young woman who´d just been hired as a hostess in the newly opened Cafe 21 at Hotel 21, he was one of the F & B managers at that time,
Eventually he was also my neighbor at Newberry Plaza, and when I went away to study abroad a cherished pen pal.
A truly wonderful man, charming & kind, witty & warm, I´m only sorry we didn´t reconnect in later years!
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Katherine Elizabeth Willhoite
May 13, 2021
Mr. Bob was a good friend to this Iowa girl when she moved to the big city way back when. We worked at the Bookmarket together and hired me as a hostess at the Raccoon Club. Good times. Lynn, so sorry for your loss! - Kathy
Gaye L Klopack
April 25, 2021
When a memorial is planned, we'd like to be a part of it. Please let us know.
Gaye L Klopack
April 25, 2021
Bob was a great supporter of my husband Ken's art and owned a couple of paintings of his. As for me, he was the person that encouraged me to keep my interest in jazz singing alive. I eventually recorded 2 jazz CD's. We were frequent visitors to the Racoon Club in Chicago.
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