We are deeply saddened by the loss of Gord Hobbins. A stalwart of the running community in Calgary, Gord was passionate and dedicated to the sport. He has been a pillar of the running community for many decades and recently celebrated 35 years of success with his retail store, Gord’s Running Store. Gord further supported Athletics by sponsoring the Gord’s Series twilight meets for many years. Gord also supported many other events in the Calgary community.
Gord and his wife Cathy officiated with Athletics Alberta. This from Official, Ian Gordon:
“The first time that I met Gord was when he greeted me in his store when I needed new training shoes. His knowledge was unparalleled; I walked back and forth with my old shoes, and he promptly selected what he thought was the best 2 or 3 pairs that he thought suitable for me. Sure enough, the best for me was the first I tried on. This was a tall order, as I have narrow feet and very few shoes fit me.
A few years later, to my delight I was teaching a beginner’s official clinic and both Gord and Cathy attended; these clinics were in person at that time. Gord and Cathy never looked back; they both became very good officials. Gord and Cathy came up to Edmonton a few times to gain experience as umpires and then upgraded to level 3. They both became excellent umpires, and with the lack of officials in Calgary in this discipline were heavily relied on.
Many is the time that Gord worked as chief lap scorer when I was track referee; he was excellent in that position. Other more junior officials continually learned from him. His cheerful demeanor and teaching ability will be sorely missed.”
Gord’s obituary may be found online.
The Athletics Alberta Board of Directors and staff extend our sincere condolences to Gord’s family, friends, staff, and all those who knew him.
Photo credit to Penny Brook via Impact Magazine online.
