Mr. Lavern Walter Hobden, a resident of Wallaceburg, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, in Chatham, at the age of 61.

It's with heavy hearts that we announce that Dad has lost his short but brutal battle with cancer. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, friend and uncle to many more than just those related by blood.

Lavern was a son of the late William and Geneva (Sisson) Hobden.

Beloved husband of Pamela (Oliphant) Hobden.

Loving father of Kyle (Samantha Sterling) Hobden and Alicia (Nathan Salisbury) Hobden.

Sadly missed by his grandchildren Tucker, Ava, Weston, Drake and Susie.

Kind brother and brother-in-law of Velda, Terry, Bern, Ina, Don Oliphant, Monica DeBusschere, and Dave Oliphant and son-in-law of Sharron (the late Hugh) Oliphant.

Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was born in Dysart County in the Haliburton Highlands, one of five children. He grew up hunting, fishing and riding motorcycles. He moved to Wallaceburg after highschool, met and married Mom and Kyle and I came along not long after.

Dad worked at Benn Iron Foundry, now Wabtec for 30 years both here in Wallaceburg and in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. He spent a few years working at Schepens Electric and most recently was the insurance and investments guy with Primerica, because he wasn't quite ready to completely retire.

He was a hardworking, no fuss kind of guy that was just as quick to temper as he was to laugh. He was the one you called on when you needed a hand, and always had a piece or two of advice whether you wanted it or not. He was always someone you could count on, and never wanted anyone to make a fuss about him but was always secretly pleased that you did.

His five grandchildren were the lights of his life. He loved to share stories of his childhood, share the knowledge he'd accumulated over the years and especially loved the weekends he spent at the hunting camp with the boys, hunting, fishing and enjoying nature. He loved visiting with the girls, teaching them life skills so they wouldn't have to rely on anyone but themselves and encouraging their creativity and love of music.

As a family, we'd like to express our gratitude to the many Doctors from London, Chatham, Windsor and Corunna, as well as the Wallaceburg ER nursing staff, the Chatham ICU nursing staff, the nurses at the VON and the paramedics that helped Dad. We appreciate the kindness, compassion, care and accommodation you all showed him, as well as us from the time of his diagnosis to his death.

We want to thank our family, friends and neighbours for the kind words, prayers, flowers, gifts, meals and support you've all shown us throughout the last few months. You are all truly special people and we are humbled to know that Dad touched so many lives.

The late Lavern Hobden rested at the Eric F. Nicholls Funeral Home Ltd. 639 Elgin St., Wallaceburg.

Following his wishes, cremation has taken place.

A celebration of life will be held at Mom and Dad's house on Saturday April 2, 2022 from 1-5pm.

As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Alzheimer's Society or the Breakfast Program may be left at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.ericfnichollsfuneralhome.com