Migrantweb.com Hostels Forum

richardhallford · Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2013 2:07 am Post subject: Passing of Phyllis Hobbs.

It is with deep sadness that I must inform this group of the passing of Phyllis Marion Sowerby, formerly Hobbs nee Watson. Phyllis was a great contributer to this and other groups. I had been in contact with her for several years, both on here and in other contexts. She passed away on Nov 24th and her funeral was held on the 30th of November in New Zealand. As many of you may know, Phyllis was the wife of Tony Hobbs, who was manager of East Hills Hostel, where I stayed as a boy, and indeed, the family moved around many Hostels in Management roles. Phyllis was a kind and generous person, who was the first to share a memory and story with others. She will be very greatly missed. I am in contact with the family, if anyone wishes to pass on messages or the like. Kindest Regards, Richard Hallford. Melbourne Australia.
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East Hills Hostel Aug 1966 to 1968. Nissen Huts 81 and 83d

aussietrekker · Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2013 6:41 am Post subject:

Oh that's sad. I wondered if there was something amiss, as she hadn't posted in ages. She was this forum's Matriarch, and we still have her memory alive in all her friendly posts, as well as the sympathetic posts to those who had been bereaved themselves. We'll miss her. RIP Phyl, you'll be reunited with your family now.

Robert (Bob) Taylor · Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2013 7:50 am Post subject: Phyl

So saddened by the news of Phyls passing...almost as if I new her, but we never crossed paths. We did live near each other relatively speaking..in the South Island of New Zealand.
Rest in Peace Phyl..... Will certainly miss your regular, interesting, succinct,kind contributions. Bob Taylor.

kate fletcher · Active Member Joined: 02 Jul 2011 Posts: 63

Such sad news. Phyl was so kind and encouraging that she�ll be greatly missed.

Len · Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 2:59 am Post subject:

Thank you Richard for letting us know, I�m gutted, and to Bob for contacting me. Phyllis played a huge part in these forums. Her memories and images shared really made a difference to what was an empty shell of a site. Right from the beginning Phyl�s contributions had encouraged others, her knowledge and experiences of the various hostels were amazing. We became good friends and over the years Phyl had helped me out many times. The forums won�t be the same without her.

I send my deepest and most heart felt condolences to Phyllis�s husband Brian, her two sons Murray and Charles and to her other family members and friends.

Rest in peace Phyllis and thank you for every thing. God Bless

Len

http://www.migrantweb.com/hostelsforum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=41

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GinaKate · Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 9:58 am Post subject:

Tony Hobbs was also the manager at Dundas for a time whilst I was there, Phyl fit right in wherever she went, she was often in the canteen mingling with everyone.
I'd say this news has left quite a huge gap in the lives of a few people.

Charlie · New Member Joined: 30 Dec 2013 Posts: 3

Hello
Thanks all who have made such beautiful comments about my dear mum Phyl. She was a real gem and she told me about this site and how she kept in touch with all you folk out there from our hostel days. Yes mum and dad (Tony Hobbs) made a real effort to be part of the hostel community in those early days. I remember having most of our meals in the Canteens with everyone. It was a great time of my life. The first 17 years of my life were in Hostels. I made lots of friends.
I look forward to hearing from some old friends out there.

Cheers
Charlie Hobbs (called Anthony in the early days!!)

Len · Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 10:30 am Post subject:

Hello Charlie, welcome to our forums. Back in Jan-2007 Phyl had been a God-send to these forums as she really started the ball rolling for us. It�s so sad that Phyl is no longer with us and I bet she would be so pleased that you have called in.

I do hope that you and everyone else has had a good Christmas (considering) and I wish you and your family all the very best for the New Year.

Len

Charlie · New Member Joined: 30 Dec 2013 Posts: 3

Thanks for your reply Len. I'll look forward to going through the site etc. All the best for a great new year ahead.
Charlie

richardhallford · Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 5:52 am Post subject:

Charlie · New Member Joined: 30 Dec 2013 Posts: 3

Hi Richard
Thanks for the message. I'd love to see the photo. Thanks so much.
Cheers
Charlie

Robert Pearson · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 1:35 pm Post subject: passing of Phyl Hobbs

Hi sorry to hear Phyl passed away she was always there to welcome newbies like myself a few years ago, A great person. Bob P
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Bob P