Hello,  I have just received notice of "Dobby's" passing.  My name is Phil Butler.  I was Mary and Bill's first employee when they opened "Dobby's Sport and Cycle" north of Finch on Yonge St.  I was Twelve years old at the time (1952).  As their business grew they purchased a property about a block south just above Finch with living quarters and a nice back yard.  Bill and Mary took me under their wing like part of the family.  Ernie Stallin and Jim Dobson were part of the family I worked with as part-time helpers at busy times, especially at Christmas with deliveries for kids from "Santa", very hectic.  Mary and Bill never faultered under the pressure.  (At least they didn't show it.)
They taught me honesty, patience and community spirit.  I remember Dobby going to his Rotary meetings, sponsoring ball and hockey teams and still able to run a successfull business.  I  too remember Dobby and I playing pick-up hockey at Centennial and Aurora.  (Re nov 12/10 David Govan)
Around 1960 Dobby's opened a branch store in the Wishing Well Plaza, Agincourt.  I was twenty at the time and manager of that store with one employee..me!    Finally after ten years of employment that taught me many life skills I had to make a decision.  I had to spread my wings and move on.  It was a sad moment.
My condolences to all relatives and Rest in Peace Bill and Mary.   You have earned it.
Phil Butler

My husband Mark and I were Bill's next door neighbours at Claridges.  We are in our 40's and are one of the youngest couples in the building.  Until Bill moved in next door we hadn't made many social connections within the Claridges community. 

Bill always asked how we were doing and how my job was ( I travelled for business a fair bit).  Mark and Bill would chat when they both found themselves on our respective balconies enjoying the summer weather. 

We will miss Bill's positive attitude, zest for life and hearfelt compassion for those around him.  He has left an indelible mark on our lives that will not soon be forgotten.

Marci Akman and Mark Lieberman (Unit 204)

As a young lad back in the 60's we often visited Dobby's sporting goods store on Yonge St at Finch Ave to purchase baseball and hockey goods. I always looked forward to those visits and remember well the care and concern we received from Dobby.
 Later in life Dobby and I played hockey together at North York Centennial Arena on Sunday nights.  We played pick-up hockey every week for about 10 years and I was amazed at how Dobby loved to play hockey, even with men less than half his age.  He was probably 60 at the time and many of us were just in our early 20's, but that didn't stop him from checking us with his famous â€œpoke-checkâ€ while gracefully removing the puck from our sticks as we attempted to get past him. 
Dobby dearly loved the competition and I know the camaraderie he had with the â€œguysâ€ helped to keep him young of heart and mind. 
His quite kindness shone as he helped us younger folk who didn't have much money by selling us hockey sticks and equipment at cost, or, without charge
Dobby was a great guy and a true sportsman.  I have great respect for Dobby and am glad that we were able to be a part of each other's lives. May he Rest in Peace.
Condolences to the Family.
Sincerely
David Govan

OBITUARY

William Alfred Dobson

April 25, 1916 – November 5, 2010

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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