Obituary of Roland Russell Hobbs

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roland “Rollie” at St. Paul’s Hospital on May 7, 2020 at the age of 88. Roland was born on the farm near Quill Lake, SK. on June 27, 1931 to Russell and Margaret (nee: Holt) Hobbs. He was the 4th of 8 children. Roland spent his first 11 years on the farm and then the family moved to Watson, SK.

As a young man, Rollie was an avid hockey and baseball player. After high school, he spent 5 years being paid to play hockey: first in Wynyard for 3 years and then in Lloydminster. While playing for the Wynyard Monarchs, Rollie met his future wife, Beverley Miller and they were married on July 25, 1956. They lived in Watson, SK. and had 2 children: Laurel in 1957 and Murray in 1959. They resided there until 1999 when they retired to a condo in Saskatoon, SK. Over the years in Watson, Rollie owned and operated a service station, built and operated Watson Auction Mart, spent many years as a cattle buyer, as well as raising cattle of his own. His last occupation was as a crop adjuster with Sask Crop Insurance which he enjoyed very much until he retired at 65. Rollie was very involved in the community while he lived in Watson; he was on Town Council for 36 years, the last term as Mayor. In his younger years in Watson, Rollie played Senior’s hockey, baseball and was an active Lions member. Rollie and Bev developed a love of travel after their kids got older and went on many adventurous holidays. In 2016, they moved into an Independent Living suite in Trinity Manor in Saskatoon.

Rollie was a doting grandfather to their 2 grandsons, Jesse and Cody, always loving to see them and hear about their lives. He loved to watch them play hockey and ball, although in tense moments he could be found pacing the lobby rather than watching the action.

Roland is survived by his wife, Beverley; his children, Laurie (Myron) Knafelc and Murray (Holly) Hobbs; grandsons, Jesse and Cody (Kelsey) Hobbs; brother, Raymond (Pauline) Hobbs; sister, Connie (Vic) Craig; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Hobbs.

Roland was predeceased by brothers, Goldie and Bud; sisters, Verna Anthony, Irma Hungle and Evelyn Shoal.

Cremation has already taken place and a service will be held at a later time.

Donations in Roland’s memory can be made to the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.