Walker Vladimir Hobbs passed away on September 11, 2022. True to his generous character, his final act was to donate his tissues and organs. Walker was born on September 25, 1989 to John Hobbs and Nina Thorne in Albuquerque, New Mexico. At an early age the family moved to Butte, Montana, and it was there he found his home. He loved Butte, especially its history, and worked as a tour guide at the World Museum of Mining. His job there inspired him to learn more about geology, and he spent hours reading about the subject. He was always happy to talk rocks and would enthusiastically relay whatever he had learned to anyone who was interested.
Walker was one of a kind. He was loyal to his friends and family and would do anything to help them out. He made us laugh with the odd things he would say, and we never knew what he would do next. He loved animals, especially dogs, and they loved him too. He and his three dogs were kindred spirits and shared a deep bond. We could always count on Walker to be there when times were hard. He pretended he was tough, but he had the gentlest heart that shone through in everything he did. We will greatly miss his sense of humor, big hugs, and kind heart.
Walker is preceded in death by his grandparents, Vladimir and Doris Minorsky, John (Pat) Hobbs and Helen B. Hobbs; and his stepfather, Richard Thorne. He is survived by his parents, Nina Thorne and John (Hy) Hobbs; his sister, Helen (Josh) Hobbs; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will also be missed by his numerous friends across Montana.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Walker are suggested to the World Museum of Mining, P.O. Box 33 Butte, MT 59703, or to a foundation of the donor’s choice. A Celebration of Resurrection will be held at 5p.m. on Saturday, September 24th at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 15 N. Idaho St., Butte, MT 59701. A visitation will be held one hour prior at the church beginning at 4 p.m. A formal reception will not follow the service, the family wishes for you to attend the visitation hour.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Walker.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Walker and his family.
Bridget Sullivan says
Nina and family,
It’s a struggle to find the right thing to say. Walker was like a younger brother to me. I’m so glad he and Zach were such good friends because I would never have gotten to know him otherwise. I’m really going to miss him and his antics. He was a truly great guy, and this is so heartbreaking. You all are in my thoughts, and if there’s anything I can do, please let me know.
Gina Tracy says
Nina and family- I’m so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Mike and Patty Battaiola says
It is with heavy hearts that we express our sincere condolences to all of you in your tremendous loss. Walker was always the bright shining light of our days at school. He was constantly volunteering to help with anything—timing for athletic events or anything that could make other peoples’ lives easier! Whenever we saw him, even years after school, we were greeted with his beautiful smile. He truly was an awesome person. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We both feel extremely fortunate to have had the pleasure of knowing such a wonderful person.
Whitehall Medical Clinic says
To the family of Walker Hobbs,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Walker. Please accept our sincere condolences. May your precious memories and the caring of friends help bring you comfort and peace at this difficult time.
With Sympathy and Caring Thoughts,
The Providers and Staff at Whitehall Medical Climic
Pat Munday says
Dear David, Nina, and Helen,
Jan & I are deeply saddened by and very sorry for your loss. We’ll always remember the boy who joined our camping group and took on any chore involving wood or an axe.
With love and sympathy,
Pat & Jan Munday
Melody Hobbs says
We so much enjoyed the arrival of Walker to Florida! Unfortunately, it was Summer. He loved being outside, but dressing appropriately for our heat and humidity….and fire ants honestly was something we had to discuss. He may or may not have embraced shorts, flip flops, swimming, etc…. He stuck with his boots I believe for protection from the fire ants he invariably stepped in. He came down every day to rehome the green lizards he was not familiar with after I expressed my dislike for them. The decision was made to rehome a few. And he did! I’m pretty sure he took one home in his pocket! Such a delightful visit with his Hobbs family in Florida..
Rest in peaceful snow, sunshine, and sky Walker!
Robert Keith, Melody, Meighan, and Rob Hobbs.
Henry and Margie Hobbs says
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Although we didn’t get to see Walker often, we fondly remember the time he spent with us in Florida. Henry especially remembers Walker encouraging him to climb with him to the top of the Pensacola NAS Lighthouse. Walker spent many hours with Papa John at the Naval Aviation Museum. May your memories of Walker help sustain you during this sad time.
Mike Mulligan says
I remember Walker bringing back a snake to the campsite on Rock Creek, holding it by the tail. It was a small rattlesnake…Helen following behind. I will miss Walker. My condolences to David, Nina and Helen, and all his friends.