Stanley Neil Hobson

Stanley Neil Hobson…Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, our Papa and Grandz, died March 29, 2026.

Born December 30, 1934, in the Panama Canal Zone to Robert and Helen Hobson, Stan joined the United States Navy following an early high school graduation in 1951. He proudly served four years’ active duty aboard the aircraft carriers USS Oriskany and USS Sicily as a Navy photographer during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge , Stan returned to his parents’ home in Roswell, New Mexico. He worked as a cameraman at a local television station until enrolling at New Mexico State University. He graduated with a master’s degree in civil engineering. While working as a summer intern in Tucumcari, New Mexico, Stan met the cutest soda jerk in the town’s only ice cream parlor, a local girl named Kathryn. They married on his birthday, in a snowstorm, in 1958.

Stan worked for the federal government’s then named Soil Conservation Service, transferring and living in California, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, where he served as State Conservationist before becoming head of the NTC for the 13 Western states in Portland. Retiring in 1992 after 32 years of service, Stan and Kathy returned to Boise.

While he enjoyed many hobbies, Dad was particularly known among friends and family for his awful puns…the louder the groans, the bigger he smiled. He also loved tennis, golf, photography, woodworking, reading, square-dancing with his favorite partner, and playing competitive games. He held us all to the rules of Hand and Foot, Mexican Train and Crazy Bridge whenever the family gathered around the large round kitchen table. He and mom also travelled many miles throughout their beloved Southwestern desert, camping and exploring with family and friends.

Dad was also committed to volunteering. He was most proud of working with the Veterans History Project through the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa. Many years also were devoted to being a weekly docent at The Discovery Center of Idaho and serving on the citizens advisory board for the Idaho National Laboratory.

Stanley is survived by his loved wife Kathy of 67 years, his sister Dottie of Utah, as well as his three children and their families of seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Many thanks go to Terrace Home Health and the amazing and kind hospice team who helped us care for Dad, especially during his final month. We honor Dr. Hightower; nurses, McKenzie, Lauren and Jen; Bath Aide Ashley (for her perseverance!); and special thanks to Tara for her consistent and lovingly cheerful care.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.