The Hornsea church of St Nicholas was overflowing last week when the congregation came to pay their respects to Dick Hobson.
Dick, whose full name was Michael Charles Arthur Hobson, died on March 5, aged 75, peacefully in hospital after a short illness.
He was one of the town’s true characters and his interests were far and wide – from sea fishing to football, folk music and cricket – and he was also a vice-president and avid supporter of Hornsea RUFC, having played for the club in the 1970s and 1980s.
After Dick’s death, a flag was flown at half- mast in Beeford, his home village, and there was an outpouring of hundreds of tributes on social media from people across Hornsea and the worlds of folk music and rugby union. A minute’s silence was held for Dick before Hornsea RUFC’s end-of-season match against Rotherham Phoenix at the Hollis Recreation Ground.
The funeral service, conducted by Rev Tina Minett Stevens, was never going to be a dull affair, and there were many moments that made the congregation smile as she recounted some of Dick’s antics.
Rev Tina’s tribute was followed by a speech by Jon Dexter, who latterly worked at Hornsea Mere with Dick running the boating side.
Jon told of Dick’s natural humour that entertained young and old with his trips around the mere, including the sighting of what he thought was a young egret – only to get up close and find it was a Tesco bag… and, knowing Dick’s sense of humour, he probably planted it himself, Jon said.
The next tribute came from Leila Cooper, founder of the popular Moonbeams folk festival, who praised Dick’s unending support for local music in the area, before renowned singer- songwriter Edwina Hayes, a long-time friend of Dick’s, performed a song at the service.
After the wake, which was held at Hornsea RUFC, Dick’s daughter, Rebecca Pickering, wrote on Facebook: “There are no words really to express our thanks to everyone for your sympathy, support and help extended towards the family during this time of sadness.
“As Dad would say, ‘God bless.’”
