NORWICH – Hobart “Hobie” Olin, 83, of Norwich, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born in Richland in May of 1926, Hobie was the son of Raymond and Lottie Fuller Olin. He grew up in the New Berlin area where he attended the local schools, then served his country during World War II, joining the U.S. Navy in 1943. Hobie received his honorable discharge in 1946 and returned home to begin his lengthy career in retail sales. Starting with Tom Scanlon’s grocery store in Norwich, Hobie learned the ins and outs of sales and how to manage the store. He worked for Dean Phipps, managing the auto parts department for 17 years and, in 1963, went to work for Sears, from which he retired in 1989. But idle retirement wasn’t for Hobie. He became interested in furniture refinishing and restoration, becoming well known in the area for his craftsmanship and expertise in the field. In recent years he enjoyed being part of the clan at P&C and checking his winnings on the scratch-off lottery tickets.
On Oct. 3, 1953, Hobie married Mary Dorsey. He is survived by his wife, Mary Olin of Norwich; his son, David M. Olin and wife Marcia of Norwich and their daughter, Jessica Olin of Akron, Ohio; step-children Judi Bible and husband Darwin of Boulder City and their children Stacy and Jamie, and Larry Wales and wife Judy of Lisle and their children Lisa, Michele, and Brian; and his brother, Raymond Olin and wife Delores of Central Square. Hobie was predeceased by his sisters and brother: Natalie Brackley, Merle Cobb, Gleneive Carson, and Howard Olin.
Graveside services for Hobie will be held at a later date in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thursday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.