This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
On January 7, 2026, Joel Gregory (Greg) Hobman passed away in the ICU at Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg, ON.
Greg was predeceased by his parents, Stan and Eleanor, of Etobicoke. He is survived by his heartbroken wife of 32 years, Laura Yontz; his brother Kevin (Oshawa); his sister-in-law Lisa D. Hawker and our nephew Matthew D. Hawker, both of New City, New York.
Greg was born in Toronto, lived in Downsview untll his family moved to Etobicoke in senior elementary aged, Greg enjoyed school and particularly athletics where he excelled in baseball and expecially hockey - a defining part of his life as a goaltender.
Many of Greg's longest friendships were forged on the ice and in dressing rooms. He also loved golf working summers at Islington Golf Club and annually participating in the 35 years of CANAM golf weekends with his close friends form Toronto and New Jersey.
Greg taught hight school Geography at Bramalea Secondary School for 28 years in the same classroom.
He was "Hobby the Handy Cottager" for over 7 seasons on Cottage Life TV.
Married in 1994, Laura and Greg bought their cottage in Minden Hills in 1995 where they loved to host family and friends, plus their assorted dogs.
Over the last 5 years, Greg has faced a variety of health challenges with dignity and the request for privacy.
We would like to thank Dr. Fraser Pollard and Dr. Ashley Minuk for their exceptional care and to the NHH staff and paramedics that provided such compassionate care to Greg over the last week.
A scholarship will be set up in Greg's name to award to a local student who plays hockey for post secondary education.
There will be no service at this time. A Gathering wiil be held this spring to honour Greg's amazing love and life.
Our deepest condolences from Shailendri and Claude to Laura and the entire family . I bought our cottage around the year 2000 and it was not long for Hobby to come over and share all his experience with me ( the new comer in cottage country) . Always present , passionate and so much fun to be around year after year. It won’t be the same when I look up my driveway but will always fondly remember him.
My condolences to Laura,.met Greg thru hockey a great teammate and always a great conversationalist,many talks about Cottage life show and his Cottage,so sorry to hear RIP Hobby
Laura, we are so sorry to hear of Hobies passing , so many great memories with you two and all the oiler events. We didn’t get to see you as often once you moved down the 401, I was so happy that you became part of Greg’s life as we both loved you equally as friends. My favorite memory playing hockey with Greg was when I accidentally shot the puck at his head in warm up and he chased after me all around the rink. Out thoughts are with you
Laura, so sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. We (the bonds) had the pleasure of knowing Greg for many years on bob lake. Greg was a great neighbor, but an even better friend. We will forever cherish our thanksgiving dinners we shared at your cottage. Greg- say hi to my dad for me. I’m sure he’s waiting with a cold one in hand for you to enjoy. We will miss you.
Gosh……I can’t believe Greg is gone. My sympathies to Laura and all the family. Always enjoyed playing hockey with him, twice a week in Grafton, with all the other old timers. I know he will be missed. I guess the Lord needed another good goalie, so he’ll fit right in.
I was a colleague of Greg at Bramalea S.S. He was always congenial and often had a humorous story to tell. I remember when he married Laura , how happy he was. Many fond memories of Greg at Bramalea. My condolences to Laura and his family.
We loved watching Hobie on television, at a time when my husband and I were just starting our home ownership journey. His advice was invaluable and on point. We didn't know him personally but when he spoke through the television and into our homes, he was the smartest, family member in the room. R.i.p.
My deepest sympathy, condolences and prayers are with you Laura and Greg's immediate family. I had the honor to teach with Greg down the hall of Bramalea SS. He was truly a scholar and a gentleman who had a keen sense of humor and a positive attitude. He was the life of any party! I remember our many first Friday teachers' gatherings in September in the late 1980's when Greg would celebrate a new school year with enthusiasm and good cheer! Many of his students know the Canadian provinces and their capital cities because of Greg. May he rests in peace.
I was very fortunate to meet Greg through hockey , I even ran into him at a grey cup in Toronto and had a great chat , remarkable guy , so sorry to his family and friends for your loss , RIP Hobby .
Condolences to Greg’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Have fond memories of playing hockey with Greg in the past.
Laura so sad to hear about Greg’s passing. We have some great memories with you guys. We send our sincere condolences. Our thoughts will be with you through this difficult time.
Laura Please accept our condolences. I had the good fortune to play hockey with Greg on Friday nights and we enjoyed the off-ice events at your cottage, fishing and on the golf course. Greg was always the gracious host and created memories that will stay with us forever. Regards Gary
We were both saddened to hear about Greg’s sudden passing and would like to express our condolences to Laura, Greg’s bother Kevin, and the rest of the family. We have known Greg since he and Laura first bought their cottage down the road and will always remember him for his hospitality, upbeat personality and friendship during that time. He will be missed.
Sorry to hear of Greg's passing. My encounters with Greg were always pleasant. I enjoyed playing hockey with Greg ,in net, in Grafton. May the many fond memories sustain the family through this difficult time.
So sorry for your late loss. Allison and myself send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Allison and Steve
Kevin. I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. Big hugs and love to you. Eve
Laura we are both saddened by the loss of Greg. We had a lot of good times playing hockey and off the ice, golfing and fishing. Sending our wishes to you at this difficult time and hope you can find comfort in your memories of a great life together. RIP, Greg.
We remember well when Greg and Laura bought the cottage next door on Bob Lake and we used to visit often. We didn't see them as often after we moved farther down the lake, but always remember how cheerful and upbeat he was. Our sincere condolences to Laura.
Hobby was a dear friend of my dad’s. My dad had brought my brother and I to Hobby and Laura’s cottage maybe a few times. We made great memories there. The times I had spent with Hobby were brief but he was always very kind. He was a very great friend to my father and for that I can’t thank him enough. Thinking of you Laura. He was a great man.
Laura, sending so much love out to you as you navigate this hard time. In the brief time I got to know a little of the legendary “Hobby” theough the hockey boys meetups at Kelly’s, I could sense his immense love of life, sports, his friends…and you. May all your happy memories and the love from family and friends outweigh your sorrows as you make your way forward. I hope you feel him beside you always in the many quiet moments. God bless.
I became friends with hobby through 35 years of amazing can am weekends. These times I will be forever grateful for and cherish forever. I was blessed to be your friend.
Laura ,I am so sad for your loss .As a fellow member of the goalie union ,it was always a delight when I went against him. I couldn't wait for the chirping to start as we retold our nights highlights and low lights over a pint. As many have mentioned we shared my laughs on the course and the cottage or just about anywhere you ran into Hobby . He will be sorely missed . Our thoughts go out to you and the rest of his circle.
Laura ,I am so sad for your loss .As a fellow member of the goalie union ,it was always a delight when I went against him. I couldn't wait for the chirping to start as we retold our nights highlights and low lights over a pint. As many have mentioned we shared my laughs on the course and the cottage or just about anywhere you ran into Hobby . He will be sorely missed . Our thoughts go out to you and the rest of his circle.
Laura and the rest of Greg’s family, Paul and I send many hugs. We were blessed to have both known and spent time with Greg. We had many laughs and loved seeing both you. Take care of yourself. Love Dawn and Paul
I was so sorry to hear of Greg's passing Laura, he was such a great guy. I remember the good times at the neighbourhood togethers. My deepest condolences to you.
Sincere condolences to Laura and family. Many years playing hockey and golf with Greg. Lots of laughs and chirps in dressing room and out later for beers. Greg was filled with humor and a smile, and if he thought you needed it, a lecture. Greg was a gracious and generous host. Hobby will be missed.
Our sincere condolences to Laura and all of Greg's Family. I enjoyed many years of playing hockey with Greg as our goalie.We chatted often about the cottage in Minden which we passed many times on our way to Huntsville. It was always great to meet up with him around town and catch up on life. May he RIP. Allan and Debbie Elder
Dear Laura and family. I am so saddened to hear of Greg’s passing. We played hockey together on Friday nights in Cobourg. Greg was very competitive in the crease, not too often you could get the puck by him. After the games we would go for a beer, and have great laughs with all the guys. They were great times together as a group! Greg liked to host the hockey guys at his cottage for fun filled fishing and golf. Some of the best times were had. Greg was a key component to our group, and will be sorely missed! Please accept my condolences at this time.
Hobby will be missed. I loved my time with him over the past 37+ years.
To Laura, we cannot express how sad and completely shocked we are to hear of Greg's passing. His laughter still rings in our ears. We forged indelible memories in the hockey dressing room and his love of life and keen knowledge will not be forgotten. Greg, you have left us too soon.
It's so hard to find the words to share about my dear friend Hobby. He was so many things to me - a team mate, a golf partner, a great entertainer, and most definitely, a loyal and trusted buddy. Greg's many circles of friends were vast and varied, and all of them loved him very much. He was loyal, caring, with a huge heart, filled with an enourmous amount of generosity. Laura, I cannot imagine how you are feeling, but I do know that Greg loved you beyond measure. We can all take comfort that we had him as part of our lives. Rest in peace.
Our deepest condolences. Greg lived with passion, loyalty, and heart—especially when it came to his wife Laura, the cottage, and a life devoted to sports. May the memories of cottage game days, great wins, and shared moments bring comfort during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Greg. Your friends at Kelly’s Homelike Inn will miss you dearly.
We will miss a dear friend. Lots of great times playing hockey, golf and times at the cottage. Many condolences Laura. Ron & Joan