Norman Eugene Hobby, age 78 of Helena, Montana passed away peacefully on December 17, 2010 at his home surrounded by all of his family.
Norman was born in Bainville, Montana on September 3, 1932 to Fred V. and Helen G. (Vannatta) Hobby.
Norman was a wonderful and loving husband and father who adored his family and grandchildren and would do anything for a friend.
Norman attended Bainville High School and graduated in 1950. Immediately following graduation he began attending Montana State University until 1953 when he decided to enlist in the military. For four years Norman served in the United States Coast Guard and traveled the Pacific Rim seeing Hawaii, Korea and Japan. His final year was spent in Cleveland, Ohio stationed at the Coast Guard 9th District Headquarters of the Great Lakes Region where he met the love of his life, Betty Peterson of Butte, Montana. Norman and Betty were married on December 28, 1957 in Butte then moved to Bozeman where Norman completed his degree at MSU in 1960. While attending MSU, Norman helped design the Danforth Chapel, the only church on campus.
Following his graduation Norman and Betty moved to Helena where Norman began his career with the State of Montana in the Department of Transportation. He enjoyed working in the Highway Department designing bridges in the state; one of the many bridges he designed is the three span bridge on the way to Great Falls which crosses over I-90 just out of Craig.
While at the Highway Department Norman was the first civilian to receive the Montana National Guard Commendation Medal; the states second highest award for a civilian for meritorious service. The citation stated his significant contribution to the guard’s effort to establish a military training center near Glasgow Air Force Base by volunteering his professional expertise and personal time researching land and preparing proposals.
Norman retired from the Department of Transportation as the Supervisor of the Utility Section in the Department of Right of Way for the state in 1993 so he and Betty could travel the states in their new motorhome.
Norman enjoyed carpentry and designed and built the home in Helena where he and Betty raised their family. He also enjoyed hunting, skiing with his family at Big Sky, trips to the “cabin” to fish and relax with family and friends and traveling. One of his favorite times was a fishing trip to a remote area in Canada the only way in and out was by sea plane.
Norman is survived by his wife Betty of Helena whom he was married to for 53 years, daughter and son-in-law Pam (Dan) Zimmerman of Port Orchard, Washington, daughter and son-in-law Gaida (Patrick) Sandru of Boise, Idaho and his two granddaughters, Annie Hobby of Bozeman who is following in her grandfathers footsteps and attending MSU and Aimee Dill. He is preceded in death by his father Fred, mother Helen, brother Arvid and sister Caryl.
A Vigil Service will be at 4:00pm Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at Anderson, Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be 10:00am, Thursday, December 23, 2010 at the Saint Mary Catholic Community. Interment with military honors will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. A reception will be in the social center of the church immediately following the graveside service. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Allen Bowker and family says
We were saddened to hear of the loss of Norman. He was a good man with a wonderful sense of humor.
Allen Chambers says
Betty & Daughters,
Our deepest sympathy go out to all of you. A great loss to all of us that had the pleasure to know and work for him over the years. I was lucking enough to work with him for over ten years in the Utility Section, Dept. of Highways. What I remember most about Norm was his great up-beat positive attitude each and every day. Please except Kathy & my heart felt condolences. We will all miss him and his great smile. God bless you and your daughters. You are all in our minds and prayers.
Allen Chambers
Barbara (Hinderer) Olson says
Kovich's says
Dear Betty, Pam, Gaida and family:
Norm was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor and a lending hand. We are blessed with years of knowing him. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless this journey now and in the future.
Linda Wall Olson says
Betty & Family, I’m so sorry to learn of Norm’s passing. I worked with him in the R/W Section for many years & he was one of the most interesting, caring, funny persons I’ve known, but of course you already know that. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Linda
Nancy Steimer says
Dear Betty, Pam, Gaida and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Norman.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Nancy, Justin, Ryan and Aaron
Rita Tenneson says
Dear Betty & Family,
So sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. May all the happy times you had together bring some comfort to you at this sad time. Much love to all. Rita Tenneson
Val Nelson Jorgenson says
Hobby family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Norm.
Val