Earl Hobson

I'm terribly late with this and very sorry to hear of Mr. Hobson's passing. He taught me band at Kensington Jr. High in Burnaby and his class was always a joy. I also had the privilege of playing in the HMCS Discovery band for a couple of years. He was in the reeds (so to speak) while I was in the brass section (trumpet), with Angus Schiedel, my trumpet teacher.
These gentlemen were incredibly patient, kind and generous with their time and talent.
I was lucky enough to meet Earl a few times at the Ladner Band Festival. I was delighted that he remembered me. I certainly remembered him and will always be grateful for having known him (and Angus). Those were very good times.

Earl Hobson was my first and favourite band teacher in high school at Prince of Wales until I graduated in 1971. He was an inspiration and role model for many of us and helped shape us into responsible adults with a refined appreciation of music in all its forms. My condolences to his friends and family.

Earl started his teaching career at Colquitz Junior High in Saanich the same year it opened, 1956, and when most of us started Grade 7 there. Besides also teaching a music class, he achieved a tremendous job organizing our band, teaching us how to play our instruments and how to read music, and engaging a lot of Band Moms sewing uniform capes. Here is what a few of our classmates, now in their 70's, said when they heard the news: "I remember his infinite patience with us, many who had never before picked up a musical instrument. He opened our eyes to how music happened and left a lasting impression with us." "Mr. Hobson was one of my favourite teachers. I had him for math and band. He was always patient and enthusiastic. I'm glad he kept his music going even after he retired."
Fran Tether, Bill Brookes, Joan Ball, Dave Welham, Sylvia Sainsbury, Keith Robertson, Gary Tennent, Don Grant, Maureen York, Kathy York.

A gentle man who touched many, many lives. Our condolences to Carol and to Earl's family.
Arlene and Brian Lewis

Earl Hobson was the best band teacher that I ever had. He inspired me to be a better musician. Our band trip to Yellowknife was a highlight of my high school years at Prince of Wales. I've told my children many times about the wonderful band teacher I had in high school.

I have only positive memories of teaching with Earl. He was one of the truly "good guys". He will continue to live on in the music he made.

Good memories with GVOS

TarryI met Earl a few years ago as a member of a band he conducted. His ability to motivate, his encouragement, and his love of music and people shall be strong memories for me. His legacy will ripple through generations to come. May your memories sustain you.

Tarry Grieve

EARL HOBSON MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday, November 28
1:00 4:00 pm

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH
22680 Westminster Highway
Richmond, B.C.

Carol,
Please accept my sincere condolences.

Our sincerest condolences to all the Hobson family....he was a great neighbour and friend. Gone too soon. Love and hugs to all....The Tweedlys

Dear Carol..always a special spot in our hearts for Earl.
Ken and Lydia

I first met Earl when he joined the Kitsilano Boys Band for the 1955 tour.
Later he was instrumental in getting me to join the RCAF Band in Victoria where we both played for five years.
To this date, every time I hear a clarinet solo, I think of Earl.

When we visited Vancouver, we always got together.
Whenever possible I went to see him conducting.

Earl's August Corn Roast became a wonderful tradition.

Earl was important to all of my family.
Earl was Godfather to our son, Bruce.
Each of our six children still remember him as "Uncle Earl".
Earl wa a good friend to Marilyn and to me.

He will be missed, but always remembered.

His life was used well for so many young people and adult performers Many others who made lives brighter with their works are awaiting in that BIG BAND ABOVE

Earl will be missing, and missed, and missed. His shoes will never be filled; he just touched too many lives.

On behalf of the Royal City Concert Band, I wish to convey our condolences to Earl's wife Carol, his family and many friends. Earl was a former Music Director of the RCCB, who retired in 2012 after serving for 14 distinguished years on our podium. In recognition of his enormous contributions to our band we made him an Honourary Life Member of our Society. He successfully battled cancer that year and was able to re-join us as a talented musician over the past two years, and performed wonderful solos at our concerts this past spring.
On a personal note, I first met Earl when I was in high school in the 1970's, when his long-time friend Mr. McManus, my music teacher, referred me to perform in Earl's pit orchestra for a number of Dunbar Musical Theatre productions. We three also shared a history as alumni of the Kitsilano Boys Band, where Earl was a conductor at reunion concerts. I will miss his entertaining stories about the 'old days' that animated our drives together to rehearsals.

My sincere condolences to the family. I was the first conductor of the Richmond Singers and moved to Prince George in 1978.Earl was an old friend and colleague that was the best choice to take over the choir.

A one of a kind highly talented individual
whom I had the pleasure of knowing and photographing while conducting some of his musical productions. Earl will be missed.

I am very sadden and heartbroken to hear of the passing of Mr.Hobbs. He was my music teacher from 1983 to 1986 in cambie high. But he was more than just a teacher. He was my mentor and friend. Mr.Hobbs inspired always with a smile. He will always be my favourite teacher. My prayers are with his family in this difficult rime. God bless you mr.hobbs

Your old neighbours on Cullen, the Boxers, send love to Michelle and Stephanie. We were lucky to have you as neighbours and were sorry to hear of your dad's passing.

Our deepest condolences, he will be missed.
Great music teacher for our children, rest in peace Suttorp family.