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
Chris and Robert and families
We have fond memories of both your dad and mother.
They were extremely good neighbours to our family.
Besides giving part time work in their garden for all
three of ours sons they were also very caring and helpful
to them. They encouraged our sons into the “Beavers”
which your mother supported so much.
I would like to express my sincere condolances To Chris and Bobby and their families on their great loss. I had the priviledge of working with Jack for a number of years in Scouting. He was certainly an inspiraion to me and was someone I admired and looked up to. He touched my life in a very positive way and I know he enriched the lives of many others. My prayers and thoughts go out to all his family.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Banks
He was a sweet man. Remember the few times that I did meet him after Scouting Sunday with the 8th Fort Victoria Scout Group, and having wonderful comversations about the group. Thanks for sharing him with the Scouting community at Fairfield United and Victoria. Victoria Scouting will not be the same without him.
My deepest condolences to the family for the loss of a fine man. Although I never got to personally meet and / or work with Jack, I’ve heard many positive things said about him over the years, both about his and his wife Joy’s numerous contributions to Scouting, (of which I have been a member for the last 16 years), and his work as a Social Worker, (which I have just retired from after 33 years). May your fond memories bring you peace and comfort at this time.
Sincerely
Ron Bilinsky
Robert:
My sincere condolences on your Father’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lynn
I will always remember Jack’s good nature and love of music. I will cherish the guitar he bought me and the time we spent during my last visit with him. I sang to him. It was a pleasure to know him.
My heart goes out to you now as you deal with this loss. Please know I’m thinking of you and be confident that Jack is happy now.
Love to all you, Peg
Jack was our mentor and the driving force behind many young Naval Officer Cadets in the 60’s at HMCS Venture. He was always a gentleman first, and a constructive instructor second. He taught me the basics of leadership and being a good Naval Officer. This eventually lead to my Command of HMCS Oriole. Ciel and I enjoyed speaking with him for many years at the 11 th November ceremonies in dowtown Victoria, where he had his sea scouts participating. Jack was the type of person who makes a good impression on young people for life. We will miss him.
Dear Chris, Robert et al,
I knew your Dad was moving from his old home, so perhaps, like others, this news caught me by surprise. Such, often is the case in matters of life and death, particularly when one has lived a long and distinguished life, as your Dad did. Impressive career in the Navy; his virtues have been passed on throughout the family lines.
May God bless and sustain all of you in this time of transition and loss.
Yours most respectfully,
RI Cudmore
Chaplain(ret’d)
Robert;
Carol and I pass on our sincere condolences on the passing of you father.
Strength in faith.
We are so saddened to have received an email from Nancy Grossert to inform us of Jack’s passing.
We loved Jack very much. We are so grateful to him for the care, devotion and regard he gave to my Aunt Christine in the past few years.
He was a true gentleman, with great humour and a wonderful person to spend time with, we never tired of hearing his experiences. We had many happy visits with him during our many trips to Canada from Australia to see my aunt.
Our sincere sympathies to the Humble family.
Jack was so important to so many people, he will be well remembered.
He surely rests in peace