We Remember

HOBDEN, Irwin Samuel

December 29, 1930 — July 20, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Irwin Hobden, who passed away peacefully on July 20, 2024, at the age of 93.

Irwin was born on the family homestead farm in Lister, BC. He farmed alongside his father and younger brother until 1950 when he relocated to Nelson, BC to serve an apprenticeship as an Automotive Mechanic. In 1955, Irwin was transferred to Penticton, BC, where he met his beautiful wife, Alice Lockhart. They married in 1960 and made Penticton their forever home. Together they raised two children, Lana and Ritchie. And in 1992, their family expanded when they welcomed their grandson Marc.

In the 70s, Irwin worked as a Diesel Engine specialist and traveled throughout Western Canada for Cummins Diesel as their representative in the field. From there, Irwin went on and founded his own Chrome Plating plant on Warren Avenue, with White Western Star Trucks being one of his largest clients. In the 1980s, he embarked on his last career, which was with Transport Canada, servicing the fire support vehicle fleet at the Penticton Regional Airport.

In their early days, Alice and Irwin were avid sports car enthusiasts and met by way of the Okanagan Sports Car Club. Irwin was an original founder/participant of the Knox Mountain Hill Climb and continued as race marshal for many years. Irwin also built and raced hydroplane boats on Lake Okanagan and Kootenay Lake for many years. In those days, Irwin was easily recognized in the Okanagan Valley by this 1956 MGB white soft-top sports car with bright red leather interior. His young nieces and nephews knew him as “Uncle Zoom Zoom”. His love for speed also included many wild canoeing expeditions down the Lardeau River nestled between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains with his crew of fellow adventurers. And we can’t talk about Irwin without mentioning his love of animals. Irwin was never without a four-legged friend, he loved cats and dogs equally and his pets were important companions in Irwin’s later years.

Irwin is known to many for his 52 years of service with Scouts Canada, and his 25 years as President of the South Okanagan Community Concert Society. As well, Irwin was active with the Penticton Arts Council for many years and has received many awards and recognition for his dedication and service.

Irwin started to lose his eyesight in 1998 soon after retirement. Irwin had always dabbled in woodworking but he accelerated his talents and became an exceptional woodworker, creating gorgeous works using fine and exotic woods. He enjoyed meeting and interacting with his community at the many craft fairs he attended. His workshop was always meticulous and full of exciting new ideas for his next creation. As a near-blind woodworker, his mantra was “never stop, and never give up”. His positive attitude was an inspiration to many, and he maintained this attitude even in the face of illness.

Irwin lost his wife Alice suddenly in 2005. He persevered through this hard time and learned to cook. He realized that he enjoyed it, and he mastered the Caesar salad, grilled steak, and baked potato!

In his latter years, Irwin loved a good “dad joke” that he could add to his repertoire, a nice glass of Chardonnay, and time spent with loved ones. He will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11:00 am, at Bethel Church, 945 Main Street, Penticton BC. A luncheon will follow the service at Bethel Church

Donations can be made in Irwin’s name to Scouts Canada, and the CNIB.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Service
Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11:00 am

Location
Bethel Church, 945 Main Street, Penticton, BC

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Scouts Canada or CNIB Link: www.scouts.ca, www.cnib.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for HOBDEN, Irwin Samuel is scheduled for Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11:00 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Bethel Church, 945 Main Street, Penticton, BC

945 Main Street, Penticton, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Janet Ritchey says:

    What a lovely tribute to Uncle Zoom Zoom. I have so many special memories of time spent with him and we are so pleased to have many of his beautiful pieces of woodwork in our home. And….his love of one particular cookie recipe always bring a smile – he shared his love of the outdoors and family and pets but never shared his cookies!! This photo is of Uncle Irwin giving my dad the Scout handshake at a retirement party for Dad. I love it. Till we meet again, uncle.

  • Beverley Hobden says:

    From the Vanbalkoms and B Hobden’s family lovely tribute to Irwin. Special memories will always be with us. Special hugs to the family.

  • Aleasa Tasker says:

    Your Dad sounds like an amazing person and an amazing Dad! Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time – Aleasa & Geoff Tasker

  • Gord & Carmela Francis says:

    So sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences. Gord & Carmela Francis

  • Hihn and Franca Callaghan says:

    Our deepest condolences. What a wonderful obituary to your beloved dad. Thanks for sending this our way…
    Hugs,
    F&J

  • Leanne Fairholm says:

    Thank you Lana and Ritchie for the beautiful tribute to your dad at the memorial service today. He was like a second dad to me and I will always be grateful for his positive humour filled words! Hugs to you both.

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