Obituary of Robert James Hobbs

HOBBS, ROBERT JAMES All good things must come to an end and Robert James Hobbs (Bob/Bobby/Hobbsy), at the age of 78, died peacefully at the Mariposa House Hospice in Orillia on March 20, 2022. Bob had numerous health issues over many decades and heart disease (7 heart attacks) was his biggest obstacle to overcome. The Energizer Bunny’s little heart has finally beat its last beat! Bob was born in Oshawa, Ontario on December 20, 1943 to Jessie Elizabeth Gladys Hobbs (Rouston) and Harold Haviland Hobbs. His spouse of 27 years was Ada Malmstrom, plus Joanne Hobbs (deceased) and Jane Pfeiffer (deceased). Ada and Bob were so fortunate to live on the beautiful Severn River, rode motorcycles together from coast to coast, and loved spending time with their family and friends. Bob had 6 beautiful daughters - Kim Hobbs (Dima); Kathie Hobbs (Dan Mcinall); Kelly Summers (Stuart); Karen Panes (Jay); Kris Hobbs Phillips (Lee Smith); and Tara Shields. Along with the 6 beautiful daughters, he had 19 grandbabies, 24 great grandbabies, and 3 more great grandbabies on the way! Bob loved his large family very much! Bob had a wonderful career with the OPP from 1966 until 2000. He retired as a Detective Sergeant with the Investigation Support Bureau and was the head of Photo Surveillance in Ontario. He made significant contributions to case law in Ontario surrounding video surveillance. Additionally, he started to do video before legislation, so he was instrumental in developing the guidelines and protections we all enjoy today due to his integrity. ‘Hobbsy’ was a special friend and colleague to so many. Brother Bill Hobbs was a dear friend who would often visit with Bob and Ada on Cowbell Lane in Severn Bridge, Ontario. Much time was spent tinkering with little projects, riding their motorcycles, talking to people around the world on their ham radios and trying to outdo each other with buying the latest ‘toys’. Two people that have been a big part of Bob and Ada’s lives are Ada’s sister, Esther Malmstrom and her husband, Dave Boyes. Bob had so many special friends and colleagues and they are too numerous to mention, but they know who they are!! Special thanks to his wonderful physicians, Dr. Daraei and Dr. MacFadyen, along with many other health professionals (including Paramed’s RN, Dawn Hawes) that were involved in his care over the years. The staff at the Mariposa House Hospice were so professional, caring and compassionate. and there was no better place for Bob to say goodbye to this world than there. If you are wishing to donate in Bob’s name, Ada is asking you to make it here!!! Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 9th from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at the Orillia Legion, 215 Mississauga St. E, Orillia. A chaplain with the OPP, RCMP and Legion will be speaking, and family and friends are welcome to tell some stories or share some words as well. There will be finger food and a cash bar. “Hey Bob - enjoy the adventure and we’ll be together some day. Be sure to say hi to Little Ada and share a smoke with her! Love and kisses! Ada and Max”