George Hobson

George D. Hobson

January 8, 1923 - April 16, 2015

George passed away peacefully, in his 93rd year, at home surrounded by family.

Born in Hamilton, ON George was the son to the late Agnes (nee Mathieson) and Robert Hobson, and brother of the late Winnifred Newell.

George will be forever missed by his loving wife Arlie and their four children: Robert (Lynda) of Mountain, ON, Linda of Redwood Meadows, AB, Doug (Kathleen) of Toronto, ON and Donna (Nicole) of Ottawa, ON; five grandchildren David (Lisa), Martin, Robert, Michelle and Justin; and one great-grandson Callan. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Marg, brother-in-law Allen and was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

George attended Delta Collegiate (a well known high-school to Hamiltonians) and was President there in 1940-41, received a degree from McMaster University in Mathematics and Physics and then a Masters degree from University of Toronto in Petroleum Geophysics from which he graduated in 1948. Arlie and George were married in May, 1948 and immediately moved to Edmonton where George began his career as a geophysicist with Heiland Exploration. After 10 ½ successful years in the oil patch, in the fall of 1958 the family moved to Ottawa when George joined Energy, Mines and Resources. He served as Director of the Polar Continental Shelf Project from 1972 to 1988. During his time at Polar Shelf, George was immensely proud of the Arctic ice island, coincidentally named "Hobson's Choice" in 1983 when discovered, and which drifted around the Arctic for the next 9 years serving as a platform for scientific exploration. George's work in the Arctic allowed him to fulfill what he saw as an opportunity, indeed an obligation, to make regular contact with arctic communities through their local councils and to keep northern residents aware of scientific projects in their areas of concern – their backyards. He always believed that communication between scientists and northern residents was essential.

George distinguished himself in the scientific exploration of many of Canada's remote regions, notably the Arctic and has been recognized over the years with many awards for his vision and vigour in helping many other Canadians - including native people, students and artists - to share in the exhilarating experience of discovering the physical and psychological reality which has so aptly been called 'la nordicité canadienne'.

George proudly counted himself as a "Franklin Fanatic" and was a key participant on teams exploring the mysteries of the lost Franklin Expedition in 1994, 1995 and 2000, discovering important relics left behind by the fated crew. He was thrilled last summer with the discovery of the HMS Erebus, and tracked the current expeditions and media coverage with great interest and enthusiasm through to the days immediately before his passing.

For his work as a scientist, as an explorer and as a leader, Dr. George Hobson received many awards over the years including The Massey Medal (1991), Northern Science Award (1991), Camsell Medal (1998), The Golden Jubilee Medal (2002), Fellow of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (2009), The Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), and the Sir Christopher

Ondaatje Medal for Exploration (2014). George was awarded an honourary Doctor of Science from McMaster University in May, 1991.

Together George and Arlie loved to travel during their almost 67 years of joyful marriage - whether for George's work or in retirement exploring new places – they travelled extensively in India, Tunisia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Guyana, New Zealand, The Caribbean, Antarctica, throughout Canada - coast-to-coast-to-coast, and widely throughout the USA. Over the years, time spent at the family cottage at Farren Lake was special and a place of rest and relaxation. There George spent time building a stone fireplace, chimney and walkways with rocks that he had gathered during his trips all over the world. George had a strong desire to show his children the vastness and greatness of Canada, and many family summer holidays were spent driving, with tent trailer in tow, from the East Coast to the BC Interior.

George had a life-long love for music beginning as a boy soprano in Hamilton choirs, continuing through barber shop quartet singing and the church choir. He was an avid stamp collector and was a family-tradition steeped supporter of the Hamilton Tiger Cats.

He was an enthusiastic member of the Manotick Kiwanis Club, particularly as a key organizer of volunteers for the Kiwanis Music Festival (Ottawa) for many years, a devoted member of the United Church of Canada and the long-serving Treasurer of one of the Farren Lake Cottagers associations. He was a sought-after speaker and expert who was consulted by many clubs, organizations and advisory committees for his experience and insights as an Arctic explorer and adventurer.

Particularly in his retirement years, George focused his passion and talents into volunteer opportunities involving science, logistics organization, the Arctic and passing on his knowledge and enthusiasm to future generations. He was a guest lecturer and specialist on over 15 Arctic cruises and did several speaking tours across Canada for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. A particular highlight for George was being the Project Manager stationed at Kluane Lake, Yukon, for the Mount Logan '92 expedition. This climb, sponsored by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, was undertaken to accurately measure the highest mountain in Canada.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and appreciation for the kind and loving care provided to George by his caregivers and healthcare team: Barb, Rita, Jen, Pam, Kathy, Elena, Mary Reid (CCAC), Dr. Clare Schnurr and Reverend Elaine.

George lived his life as an adventurer, an explorer, a man of deep spiritual faith, a person who felt he had the best job in the world, a devoted husband and father, and one who believed strongly in, and expressed to others, the phrase: "Have a good life, and BE PART OF IT."

Those wishing may make memorial donations to Manotick United Church or to Royal Canadian Geographical Society (www.rcgs.org). Condolences, donations or tributes may also be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com.