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William Hobbs Obituary
Will's experiences as an avid outdoorsman with an intimate knowledge of the mountains, rivers, and canyons of the American Southwest and far north of Alaska and Canada, and firsthand understanding of the age group for which he was writing, resulted in adventure stories appealing to girls and boys, and adults as well. His novels were translated into foreign languages and are read by people of many nations. He traveled extensively to meet with students and teachers in classrooms across the country, and was a popular speaker at teacher and librarian conferences. His last book, City of Gold, was published in 2020. The full scope of Will's work may be seen on his website, www.willhobbsauthor.com
Will loved family above all else and was deeply devoted to Jean Loftus Hobbs, his wife of 51 years. They ran the Grand Canyon 10 times in their own whitewater raft, altogether spending 6 months of their lives there. They always invited family and friends on river trips and other outdoor adventures, including many in the Weminuche Wilderness of the San Juan Mountains, Will's sanctuary. From his first hike up the Pine River in 1975, he fell deeply in love, and for the next 34 years he shared this love with family and friends. He spent more than 200 days there, shouldering his Kelty pack, throwing his Panther Martin, reciting "The Cremation of Sam McGee", teaching others to honor the majesty and might of the high country, and inspiring everyone to tread lightly upon the earth.
Will and Jean had a solid community of friends in southwestern Colorado, for decades inviting them and family members to an annual "International Olympics" with advertised events including wild elk wrestling and porcupine toss, and actual events like dune jumping. Will had a keen sense of humor and a quick wit.
An Eagle Scout, Will was a ranger and camp director at Philmont Scout Ranch in the Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico. He also backpacked extensively on the John Muir Trail of California's High Sierra. He was extremely interested in and committed to the causes of Native Americans of the U.S. and the First Nations and Inuit of Canada, and to protection of the environment and wild places he loved.
Will had wide-ranging musical tastes, and was especially fond of Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead. Like his father, he loved Giants baseball and also rooted for both the Broncos and 49ers. He shared his Dad's passion for gardening and for keeping things simple with hand tools. Will was a voracious reader with a superb memory for books, people, and landscapes.
Will was predeceased by his parents, his wife Jean, and by his brother, Justice Gregory J. Hobbs Jr. He is survived by siblings Edmund (San Antonio TX), Joseph (Columbia MO), and Barbara (Saratoga CA), as well as nephews and nieces Daniel Gregory Hobbs and Emily Mary Hobbs, William Rhodes Hobbs, Matthew Joseph Jones and Sarah Mary Jones, Anna Rose Morrissey, and Katherine Tatum Hobbs and Lilian Jean Hobbs.
Interment will be in the family plot at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Los Altos CA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Durango Public Library ([email protected]) or the Grand Canyon Conservancy ([email protected]).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Hobbs
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
Claire Ninde
May 23, 2025
I have such sweet memories of reading Will Hobbs' books to my daughter (now 19) when she was younger. I met him at a couple of book signings and he was so gracious. A couple of our favorites, Howling Hill, and Kokopelli's Flute. I like to re-read Kokopelli's Flute every now and then for the great messages it holds.
Daisy Grice - Assistant Director, Durango Public Library
April 30, 2025
Will was a great friend to the Durango Public Library. We put up a display of his books for a few weeks to honor him. Members of the community took the opportunity to spontaneously leave a few little notes of remembrance on the display. I'd like to share them here:
"You were a good neighbor when you live on 502, Will! I loved using your books when teaching middle school."
"Mr. Hobbs was my English teacher - I am 50 years old this year - he was an awesome teacher and let me read Stephen King novel for credit!"
"Will, thank you for writing some engaging books for Young Adults!"
"An honor and a privilege to have you as a teacher and an inspiration to follow my dreams. Thank you."
"Our son loved your books and delighted meeting you when he was in Middle School. Thank you for your gifts Will Hobbs!"
"Thank you Will Hobbs for infusing my children's lives with adventure and a passion for reading."
Suzanne Bolton
April 23, 2025
I did not know Will Hobbs personally only through his books. His books especially Kokopelli's Flute was one of our favorites. I really enjoyed reading his obituary and his love of nature and the indigenous people of this land. He lived a good life!
Stephanie (Taffy) Johnson
April 10, 2025
A hero as well as a friend! Good memories of Will and Jean!
Kimberly (Zufelt) Tacey
April 9, 2025
Mr. Hobbs was my 8th grade Language Arts teacher. He had a gift for making school fun and making everyone feel welcome in his class. I was very shy back then and I always appreciated his kindness and understanding. I can only hope I will be able to have as much of an impact on my students as he did on me.
Terry Hutchison, YESS the Book Hutch
April 8, 2025
What I will miss most about Will Hobbs?...His humor, great storytelling & writing, creativity, inspiration, friendship - the list is endless. My last lengthy sit-down with Will was in November. He invited me to pick up lunch at SAGE and allowed me to haul approximately 50 books (he authored) to his home for his signatures. For 3 hours, he thoughtfully signed each book while elaborating on the story of its setting and origin. Each 'telling' with the enthusiasm in which it was written. I recounted how much I enjoyed BEARDREAM (a children's picture book - his first- themed with the lore of the Ute Bear Dance common to the Utes of Colorado and Utah) and his thrilling Edgar-winning GHOST CANOE! His books have adventure, mystery, history, purpose! His final literary production, CITY OF GOLD, represents our area through impeccably researched settings and adventurous events - a skill he said he honed from another great historian, our beloved Dr. Duane Smith. Will shall "live on" with each literary journey he penned, as well as our wonderful memories of him.
Jodi Zuber
April 7, 2025
Great Teacher!!
Nora Doyle Stafford
April 7, 2025
I thank Will Hobbs for teaching me how to be a raft guide and for the memories of rafting on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. The most notable trip was in 1983 when the river was flowing at epic levels and the dam was in jeopardy of breaching. What an experience that was!
I am also thankful that our two boys got to grow up reading his adventure novels. He was their favorite author. Thank you Will for being an inspiration in my life.
Carl Ellison
April 7, 2025
Condolences. As an author Will was very influential in my life and my relationship with my son. Thank you Will Hobbs.
Trevor Ehlers
April 6, 2025
Thanks for the incredible stories! I loved reading them growing up and also reading them with my children. You were such a kind man whenever I saw you in the neighborhood.
Laurie Voss
April 6, 2025
Rest In Peace Mr Hobbs
Elaine R Ehlers
April 6, 2025
What a special human and the best adventure writer ever ....especially for the middle school readers. I enjoyed knowing him through my teaching year at then Miller Junior High. His adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors will live on for generations through his amazing books
Lisa Govreau
April 6, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Will's passing. He was so supportive of our oldest son when he was writing as a little boy. Always a very kind neighbor too. RIP Will.
RUFE'S PAINT STORE INC.
April 5, 2025
sorry to hear of wills passing,he will be missed-- rufes paint store
Cameron Cooper
April 5, 2025
Mr Hobbs was my reading instructor at Miller Junior High and my English teacher at Durango High School. Mr Hobbs brought a unique perspective to his teaching coming from an accomplished author. I remember many times enjoying him reading from his books and relating how he chose elements in his story.
The Four Corners has lost a literary icon. He will be missed.
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