Thomas R. Hobbs, DDS, passed away suddenly near Stehekin, WA on Thursday, July 29, 2004 at the age of 57 years.
He was born January 30, 1947 in Ogden, Utah, the son of William and Blenda Larson Hobbs. Tom grew up in Ogden, Utah, graduating from University of Utah and later from Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago, IL.
He was married to Carolyn Arbenz on August 11, 1973 in Pittsburg, PA. After completion of dental school, he moved to Sedro-Woolley in 1975 to open his dental practice. Since 1987, Tom was an active member of the Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club and was past president from 2000-2001.
Tom, a respected Sedro-Woolley dentist, put his family first. His family especially treasures many outdoor vacation trips filled with good fun, good food, and – always – good talk. He gently pushed his children to do their best and to do good, and they responded. He loved his wife Carolyn with all his heart. He played countless rounds of golf with son Bryce, and proudly supported daughter Carlee’s college and career goals. Tom had a pure soul, was a first ‘rate optimist, and had that rare quality of seeing the best in people. As a result, he had many good and long-time friends. He leaves behind many who had expected to enjoy and learn from him for years to come.
Tom is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and his children, Carlee and Bryce of the family home in Mount Vernon. His siblings, Louise and her husband Bob Crabtree of Paradise, CA, David Hobbs of Reno, NV, Janice Moyes of Ogden, UT, and Evalyn and her husband Fred Rotzler of Alexandria, VA. A sister-in-law and her husband, Ann and Bill Dagle of Shelton, WA and a brother-in-law, David Arbenz of Helena, MT. Numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, August 4, 2004 at 2:00 PM at the Central United Methodist Church on Polte Rd in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Marilyn Kalishan officiating. Memorials are suggested to Thomas R. Hobbs DDS Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club PO Box 726 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Tom, by signing our online guestbook at wwwlemleychapel.com.
Tom was my roommate at Northwestern Abbot Hall our freshman year in dental school. I lost track of him after we graduated and both went our separate ways. I was searching the internet to try to find him when I found this obituary. I am so saddened to learn of his passing. It seems like just yesterday that we were in school together. He was incredibly bright; I think he graduated first or second in our class. He would disappear for 2 days before tests and then reappear for the test and score an A every time. Then he would sleep for 2 days. We called him Rip Van Hobbes because of this. He was also masterful with his hands; his dental work was impeccable. I know he liked the outdoors, wildlife, mountains and rivers. He talked often about his time as a naturalist on river rafting trips in the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, and he was extremely knowledgeable about wildlife. I know he must have been a wonderful dentist and I suspect most of his patients knew they had a good dentist, but I doubt that most of them knew how far above the pack he was when he graduated. I remember Carolyn being exceptionally pretty (he hadn’t married yet when I last saw him). I am so sorry we could not reconnect. Although it has been many years since he passed, my heart goes out to Carolyn and his children. Please accept my belated condolences.
Jeff