It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Irwin Hobden, who passed away peacefully on July 20, 2024, at the age of 93.

Irwin was born on the family homestead farm in Lister, BC. He farmed alongside his father and younger brother until 1950 when he relocated to Nelson, BC to serve an apprenticeship as an Automotive Mechanic. In 1955, Irwin was transferred to Penticton, BC, where he met his beautiful wife, Alice Lockhart. They married in 1960 and made Penticton their forever home. Together they raised two children, Lana and Ritchie. And in 1992, their family expanded when they welcomed their grandson Marc.

In the 70s, Irwin worked as a Diesel Engine specialist and traveled throughout Western Canada for Cummins Diesel as their representative in the field. From there, Irwin went on and founded his own Chrome Plating plant on Warren Avenue, with White Western Star Trucks being one of his largest clients. In the 1980s, he embarked on his last career, which was with Transport Canada, servicing the fire support vehicle fleet at the Penticton Regional Airport.

In their early days, Alice and Irwin were avid sports car enthusiasts and met by way of the Okanagan Sports Car Club. Irwin was an original founder/participant of the Knox Mountain Hill Climb and continued as race marshal for many years. Irwin also built and raced hydroplane boats on Lake Okanagan and Kootenay Lake for many years. In those days, Irwin was easily recognized in the Okanagan Valley by this 1956 MGB white soft-top sports car with bright red leather interior. His young nieces and nephews knew him as “Uncle Zoom Zoom”. His love for speed also included many wild canoeing expeditions down the Lardeau River nestled between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains with his crew of fellow adventurers. And we can’t talk about Irwin without mentioning his love of animals. Irwin was never without a four-legged friend, he loved cats and dogs equally and his pets were important companions in Irwin’s later years.

Irwin is known to many for his 52 years of service with Scouts Canada, and his 25 years as President of the South Okanagan Community Concert Society. As well, Irwin was active with the Penticton Arts Council for many years and has received many awards and recognition for his dedication and service.

Irwin started to lose his eyesight in 1998 soon after retirement. Irwin had always dabbled in woodworking but he accelerated his talents and became an exceptional woodworker, creating gorgeous works using fine and exotic woods. He enjoyed meeting and interacting with his community at the many craft fairs he attended. His workshop was always meticulous and full of exciting new ideas for his next creation. As a near-blind woodworker, his mantra was “never stop, and never give up”. His positive attitude was an inspiration to many, and he maintained this attitude even in the face of illness.

Irwin lost his wife Alice suddenly in 2005. He persevered through this hard time and learned to cook. He realized that he enjoyed it, and he mastered the Caesar salad, grilled steak, and baked potato!

In his latter years, Irwin loved a good “dad joke” that he could add to his repertoire, a nice glass of Chardonnay, and time spent with loved ones. He will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11:00 am, at Bethel Church, 945 Main Street, Penticton BC. A luncheon will follow the service at Bethel Church

Donations can be made in Irwin’s name to Scouts Canada, and the CNIB.