In the quiet embrace of winter's depth, as December's frost whispered its arrival, Raymond Stuart Hobbs departed from the earthly realm. His journey concluded in the serene Alameda, California, far from the rugged, verdant landscapes of East Liverpool, Ohio, where his life's story began on a June morning in 1948. Born to John and Ruth Hobbs, Raymond was the firstborn, a guiding star to his siblings Gregory, Karen, and Timothy.
His childhood was a tapestry of simple joys and rugged adventures in New Cumberland's backwoods, West Virginia. There, among the whispering trees and sprawling meadows, Raymond and his siblings wove dreams into reality, staging plays and embracing the untamed spirit of their youth. His days were filled with the laughter of siblings and the harmless mischief of tormenting cousins, painting a picture of a spirited and lively family life.
As the years meandered like a river through his life, Raymond blossomed into a man of varied talents and interests. He emerged from Oak Glen High School not just as a trumpeter echoing the brassy notes of ambition but also as a gymnast, albeit with average prowess, in the year of 1967. His thirst for knowledge and adventure led him to the halls of West Virginia University, where his heart set on grander stages. Ray's pursuit of aerospace and mechanical engineering was accompanied by the rhythmic steps of the marching band with his brother Gregg and, in a playful turn, the cheerleading squad, a venture driven by youthful exuberance and a keen eye for opportunities.
Post-graduation in 1971 marked the beginning of a journey that saw him traverse the landscapes of Oklahoma and Colorado, his career path intertwining with the esteemed Westinghouse. Inspired by the legendary Steve McQueen, Raymond embraced the skies as a pilot, the depths of the ocean as a scuba diver, and the thrill of shooting, acquiring licenses that mirrored his hero’s feats.
In the snow-capped mountains of Pueblo, Colorado, fate intertwined his path with Sandy Svedarsky. Their union blossomed into the birth of his sons Ryan, Ian, and Gregory. Raymond's unquenchable thirst for knowledge led him to New Mexico Highlands University, where he earned a master's in business administration, a step that would eventually root him and his family in the sun-kissed climes of Phoenix, Arizona.
The tapestry of his life evolved with his marriage to Dorothy Johnson, welcoming her sons Barry Allen, Christopher, and Ryan William into his heart. Together, they built a life in Avondale, Arizona, a testament to their shared dreams and aspirations.
Raymond's life was a mosaic of deep-rooted values – a staunch believer in God, a patriot moved by the beauty of his country, a loving family man, and a friend of unwavering loyalty. He channeled his faith into action, establishing the “Walk to Emmaus” retreat for his church, a beacon of spiritual guidance.
His love for flying was not just a hobby but a spiritual experience, finding transcendent joy in the serene glide of his glider plane over majestic mountains. Raymond's intellectual curiosity and innovative spirit led him to a groundbreaking career in research and development. His work in electric race cars, fast chargers, and hydrogen fuel systems not only earned him accolades and patents but also recognition in Time magazine for his contributions to pollution reduction and sustainable energy.
As he worked on the visionary project of THE LINE in Neom, Saudi Arabia, his life's journey reached its twilight. Raymond's legacy continues through his children Ryan and Ian Hobbs, his cherished grandchild Apolonia, his first wife Sandy, his siblings Timothy and Karen, and a tapestry of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends spanning the globe.
An aficionado of football, a golfer par excellence, and a connoisseur of fine tobacco and Scotch, Raymond's soul was never far from his West Virginia roots. His musical tastes, echoing with “The Man Who Never Returned,” “Country Road,” and “The Boxer,” spoke of a man who cherished the narratives of life's journey.
In his departure, Raymond Stuart Hobbs leaves behind not just memories but a legacy of a life richly lived, a soul that danced to the rhythm of its own drum. His spirit, a bright beacon in this world, now journeys onward. Godspeed, Raymond, until the paths of eternity cross again.