Obituary of Murray Allan Hobbs

Murray Allan Hobbs, affectionately known as “HOOKER” by his Fraternity brothers, and many friends passed away, Friday afternoon April 29/2022, at Spencer House, Orillia Ontario. Murray was born in Oshawa, July 4/1944, where he spent his youth. He was predeceased by both his parents, and his brother Garry. Murray enjoyed a very full and diverse life and was talented in many areas. He was an excellent baseball player and was drafted as a 15-year-old by the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball. Later he became an excellent Fastball pitcher with the Oshawa Tony’s Jr. fastball team. Murray excelled in High School Basketball, with Donovan Collegiate, and was chosen as one of the high school all-stars to compete against the Canadian Men’s National Basketball team, when they came to Oshawa fir their Training Camp. Murray enrolled at the University of Toronto and Joined Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity in 1963. He completed his Business degree at the University of Western Ontario. He began his working career in Peterborough but later had multiple business interests in Toronto. Murray was a talented and self-taught musician, and was a professional Rock Drummer in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, appearing with many well known groups in, and around the Toronto area. A passion was Thoroughbred Racing. He also shared in ownership of Racehorses, and was a regular at Woodbine Raceway, Fort Erie, and many other facilities, both in Canada and the US. His knowledge of thoroughbred horse racing was very extensive. He followed racing on a daily basis. Unfortunately, Murray developed years of sever illness, originating from prostate cancer, and was a long term survivor of the Princess Margaret Hospital, but suffered other complications from his medial treatments. He was a fighter to the end, never complaining, and determined to succeed. His positive attitude was to be admired. He is now at rest, and his friends will hold a celebration of his life in the future.