Geoffrey Hobert of Bainbridge Island passed at home on the evening of June 17 with his wife Pam at his side. Shortly after, a beloved Barred Owl brought her 3 owlets to hunt close to the house, and a fawn born in the yard this year, arrived with her mom.

Born in Glendale, California, to Marjorie and Walter Hobert, Geoff grew up in California in LaCanada and then Saratoga. He finished his degree in Design and Industrial Arts at San Jose State University in 1973.

Geoff received a Purple Heart during his U.S. Army service in Vietnam. Geoff’s peaceful grace and underlying strength served him well while in the service and after. He returned to Vietnam on a healing and diplomatic trip with PeaceTrees Vietnam.

Geoff moved to Bainbridge Island in 1973. A friend asked if he was interested in learning to build finely crafted, architect designed houses. He had found his calling, as well as a mentor and a close friend in Dick Semke. Geoff loved his work as a contractor. Most of his work came through architects, including Culter/Anderson and Russ Hamlet. He built some LEED certified houses, and houses which have been featured in architectural publications. Geoff and Pam co-designed their beautiful home.

“Geoff was a wonderful friend, a talented builder, and a joy to work with. He was the gold standard for carpentry and construction. He had a designer’s eye, and could take clients’ or architects’ clumsy or incomplete ideas and make them beautiful. You could count on him to finish anything he started. Geoff was careful, thorough, respectful, non-judgemental, and above all, kind.” (Jennifer K. Mann)

‘May you attract someone who treats you like a gift that was given directly to them by the universe.’ (Yung Pueblo)

Pam and Geoff’s heart connection was obvious from their first sailing date in 1981. They lived for a number of years at a geographical distance, growing a deep friendship during summers in the NW while Pam finished her MFA and taught in Tucson.

Pam remembers Geoff as the perfect partner to share life with: he was a consummate sailor (including a 6 month trip around Vancouver Island on his 40’ Concordia yawl, crewed for Swiftsure, and sailed with Pam on ‘Shiva’); an instrument rated pilot, gardener, dog lover, table tennis and pickleball player. They shared a love of art, music, travel, walking, the Oregon Coast, and a love of each day with the natural beauty of the earth.

“After 44 years with Geoff, he still inspires. Geoff possessed a quiet wisdom of the heart, an inner strength, grace, and always, kindness. He was a master of unconditional love and acceptance. His sense of humor was subtle. His desire to make everyone feel valued was his superpower in working cooperatively in all relationships.”

Remembrances may be made to Oregon Natural Desert Association (onda.org) or to the organization of your choice.

A service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.