Murray Allan Hobbis

September 1, 1946 Clifford and Mary Hobbis were blessed with the arrival of Murray Allan Hobbis.   He was the second oldest of five children in their home.   As a young man Murray was larger than life with his love for cars (oh how he loved his Dodge Dart!) , practical jokes, upholstery and family were what brought him great joy.   He was born in Victoria and spread his wings from there to live in Vancouver for a few years and then returning to the Vancouver Island to settle into Nanaimo which would be his permanent address.  Murray learned to paint with oil in his adult years and I believe it surprised himself how well he could bring nature to the canvas. Of course we can’t forget his skill to write poetry.  His thoughts and heart came through to paper in a way that it couldn’t help but touch your heart.   From the time he was a young man he loved to sing and would sing songs by many artists, but one of his favorites was Jim Reeves.  And you know, he sounded just like him.  Later, his love for music was focused in on his worship for God.    During his time in Vancouver Murray discovered his new meaning to life in knowing Jesus as Saviour.   This step changed his life in many ways, one of the most meaningful ways in which God worked closely in Murray’s life was in the meeting of his beautiful wife Marion Isaac.   On September 8, 1984 his life was enriched with the blessing of Marion as his wife and the joy he had in Darren and Teresa as their children.   Together they have been blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.   It was not unusual to hear Murray speak with the pride and joy he had in each one of his family in his roll as husband, Dad and Papa.   He loved Marion and all of the children so deeply and together they formed a bond as family.   His life was not without worries and concerns, but with their faith in Jesus and their dedication to each other, Murray and Marion walked the life of serving Jesus and family together.  Sitting here writing this and taking time to ponder Murray’s life, one cannot venture there without the reflection of Murray’s deep love for Jesus.   He held the words in the Bible close to his heart and worked very hard to try and show it through his life.  Together as husband and wife, Murray and Marion would share that love of Jesus freely with each other and with anyone who would listen.   June 3, 2022 Murray was escorted into the presence of Jesus and was likely greeted by his Mom, Mary Hobbis who passed away 3 years earlier to the day.   Surely the greeting Murray would have had from Jesus in the moment he entered heaven was, “Welcome Home good and faithful servant”.   Murray’s life will continue to be celebrated by those who loved him deeply.   He is deeply missed by his wife of 37 years, Marion, his two children Darren (Jenn, Abby, Makenzie, Joshua, Gracie, & Hayden) and Teresa (Carl, Brianna (Shawn, Ruby, Holly, William) Madison (Hannah, Emily, Charlie, Henry) Olivia (Nathan, Benjamin)  and Sam)   His father Clifford Hobbis, as well as his siblings  Art & Sue & Family, Mary & Bill & Family, Pat & Family & Jackie & Darwin & Family.   We love you Murray, next time we see you we won’t ever have to say Goodbye again.    Murray’s Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date to be held at the Church of the Nazarene in Nanaimo, BC