Humble, LCdr Cecil Hobson “Jack”, CD2
September 20, 1920 – March 18, 2009
Born in Newcastle-on-Tyne, England. Joined the Royal Navy as a Ganges Boy at the age of fourteen and became a commissioned Gunner in May 1945. Emigrated to Canada in 1956, and transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy as a Gunnery Officer (Lt). Postings included Gunnery School (Osborne Head) 1956-58; JONQUIERE 1958-60; and VENTURE 1960-66, where he helped develop the Sunset Ceremony and survival training at EXPED. Promoted to LCdr, he was posted to the Bos’n School (Cornwallis) in 1966, followed by Seamanship Division at Fleet School (Halifax) in 1968. Served as Base Social Conditions and Welfare Officer (Stadacona) 1968-70 during the KOOTENAY disaster. Retired to Victoria in Feb 1971 after 37 years of naval service.
Following his retirement from the Navy, he dedicated his life to the service of others as a volunteer; and worked as a Social Worker with the City of Victoria and the BC Provincial Government. Recognized for his 35 years of tireless dedication and leadership in the Boy Scouts of Canada, rising to the level of Assistant Provincial Commissioner. Established and served Fairfield New Horizons as the Musical Coordinator and Director of the Weekly Fairfield Sing-Along for 12 years.
Predeceased by wife Joy (Dunn) in 2005. Survived by son Christopher (Shelley) of Victoria, BC; grandchildren Jade of Calgary; Craig (Shima) of Tokyo; Amber (Clayton Mulholland) of Courtenay, BC (great grandchildren Owl, Coyote and Raven); son Cdr. Robert of Halifax, NS; grandchildren Arwen of Pensacola FL (great grandchildren Bronwen and Atticus), Linnet of Fredericton, Elspeth, Meade, and Rowan of Halifax; Survived by brother George; nephew Deric (Marie); and brother John (Patricia) of Toronto, ON.
Visitation will be held on Monday 23 March 2009, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, at McCall’s Funeral Directors, 1400 Vancouver St., Victoria, BC.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, on Tuesday 24 March 2009, at Fairfield United Church, 1303 Fairfield Rd., Victoria, BC. Reception will follow.
In memory of Jack, donations can be made to the “Keep a Song in Your Heart” music program at the Fairfield Activity Centre, 380 Cook St. Victoria, BC V8V 3X7; a community organization to which Jack devoted his retirement years.
26 Responses
Dear Bob (or is it Robert now?) Chris, and all your families,
Mom sent me your dad’s obituary – so many memories, such a life lived!
I’m thinking of all of you, in all the places you find yourselves, and wishing you blessings: the comfort of memories, the healing of time, the joys of love and belonging.
With every good wish,
Kathryn
Sorry to hear of your Dad”s passing,my thoughts and prayrers are with you and your family at this . Marilyn {Miller}Brittain
When I began attending Fairfield United, Jack was one of the people I noticed right away. I enjoyed hearing him in the choir, and then looked for him at his “regular” spot near the front of the church. Each Remembrance Day Jack put on his uniform and stood with the flag to honour those who were no longer there. It was such a moving sight, and so important for our congregation, which has so many generations.
Each Sunday, as the sun comes through the stained glass he commissioned for the church, I will remember his dedication and commitment to making this world better.
Kerry Robertson and family
Jack’s character, intellect, enthusiasm and sea knowledge made him an exceptional Scout leader and inspiration to the boys fortunate enough to have him as leader. We will always be grateful for his leadership and friendship and we will miss him greatly. If people live on in memory after their passing, Jack and Joy must be nearly immortal.
May you, his family, whom he held so dear, find comfort for your loss in knowing how great was his influence on the generations of boys he led in the scouting movement.
Sail on, Jack, and Joy, sail on!
. To the Humble Family
Bryan,Robin and son Dwane send our condolences to your family.
We worked with Jack when our Son Dwane was part of Jack’s 8th Fort Victoria Scouts and Ventures. Jack and his wife Joy were great teachers and they will be truly missed.
His smile always made one feel good about the day.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bryan, Robin and Dwane Mee
Robert and Family:
Our deepest sincere sympathy for your great loss.