David Dobbins Obituary

David Ashmun Dobbins died Thursday, October 13, 2016 in Durango from complications of pneumonia. He was born March 2, 1935 to Hugh Henry Dobbins & Katharine Schaffner Dobbins in Detroit, Michigan. He moved to Durango in 1993 after visiting the area for many years.

After graduation from high school in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, he attended Oberlin College, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree. This was followed by a Master's Degree in Geology from the University of Minnesota, and culminated in a Doctorate Degree in Geology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

After his graduation from the University of North Carolina, he began teaching at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he met his future wife, Jeannine Angle. They were married October 4, 1980, in Natchitoches.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Jeannine Angle Dobbins, of Durango.

His teaching career spanned 25 years. His students remember him as being 'rigorous', and he was well known for his glare. His students became lifelong friends, keeping in touch with him on a regular basis. His goal was to teach them how to think. "Doc", as he was known to them, took them on weekend field trips to Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, and week long spring break trips all over the United States in the Geology Department vehicle, 'Rockhound'.

In addition to collecting rocks, he loved to knit, winning first prize in the Louisiana State Fair in the early 1980's for an Irish Fisherman sweater. He and his wife enjoyed walking tours in England, Ireland, France, and Scotland after their retirement.

At his request, cremation has occurred. A Celebration of Life will be held in Natchitoches, Louisiana, on Nov. 12, from 11 AM - 2 PM at Maglieaux's Restaurant. Friends wishing to attend are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the La Plata County Humane Society, 1111 S. Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO, 81301 or the Daughters of the American Revolution Library, Fund, 1776 D. Street NW, Washington, DC , 20006.