Published in The Lake Report, May 28, 2026, page 22.
Jan. 31, 1931 – Feb. 14, 2026
We’ve lost one of the great ones.
With broken hearts and so much love, we announce the passing of our patriarch, Rodney John Hobbs. At 95 years of age, Rod passed peacefully at Hospice Niagara, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He leaves behind Judy, his wife of 57 years, and his children Ray (Lois), Brenda (Larry Hoffleith), Kent and Scott. Predeceased by his beloved son Brett. Rod was Papa to eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Special Daddy to his beloved dog Molly and all the little critters that came before her.
Born and raised in Toronto, the youngest of four siblings, Rod lost his mother at the age of two and a half, an event which created the strong and independent man he became. Being too young to enlist alongside his two brothers and sister, Rod joined the 48th Highlanders Reserves with hopes of learning to play the bagpipes. After a couple of weeks of earnest practice, the band leader approached him and said, “Rod, how about a drum?”! Well, Dad sure looked great in his kilt and beret! As a youth and teenager he often sailed to Port Dalhousie for picnics with his church and Niagara-on-the-Lake for marching drills with the 48th Highlanders.
With Grade 8 education and a strong entrepreneurial drive Rod began his path to become an electrical contractor when he was just 16. Beginning in Fort Erie as a fireman on the railway, he later returned to Toronto to complete his electrical apprenticeship by attending trade school at night. Rod had a successful career with Kudlak-Baird Electrical Contractors for many years until a chance visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1972 saw him and Judy purchase a lot in Garrison Village and subsequently build their first NOTL home.
Soon to follow was the opening of R.J. Hobbs Electrical Contractors Ltd. As an entrepreneurial contractor Rod enjoyed the friendship and earned the acclaim of many of Niagara’s top businessmen and fellow contractors. Rod treated everyone with kindness and respect and received the same in return.
While the electrical business thrived he opened Alliance Security Alarm Systems Niagara. Both businesses were passed to two of his sons and are still in operation today.
Dad was a man of few words and even fewer expectations. He taught his family so many valuable life lessons that have made each of us who we are today. His high moral standards, strong belief systems and sense of humour live on in us, and for this we are so very grateful.
Dad, we will always miss you.
In eternal love, your family.
Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 6 at 11:30 a.m., Niagara Lakeshore Cemetery, Niagara-on-the-Lake. A gathering of friends will follow at the Kinsmen Hall, King Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
We hope you can join us.
