Bobby Benton Dobbs passed on June 29, 2024, in Eureka, at St. Joseph Hospital, surrounded by his family.

He was born on February 8, 1937, to Guy James Dobbs and Marie Verna McFall in Clovis, Fresno He was 87 years old.

He attended school until around the age of 16 and left with his brother (Jimmy) north to Sacramento and later Humboldt County working in construction. Later he joined the Northern California Laborers Union until he retired in 1992. During this time, he worked in many places, including Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties mostly on road construction and laying pipe. Then around 1979 he went south for work in Guerneville and Santa Rosa. Then to Pittsburg, Antioch, and Oakley to work in the refineries, always returning to Eureka during breaks in work.

After coming to Eureka, he met and married Leona Christensen and had two children — Donald and Kim. He later divorced and married Nancy Bolt and had one child Linda. Nancy had four previous children — Loretta, Dale, Larry, and Gary. They divorced and later he met and married Joan. She had four children of her own, Dana, Billy, Dale, and Lori. They divorced and while living in the Bay Area, he met and married Cheri she had two boys of her own, Joe and Kevin. Cheri and Dad moved to Merlin, Oregon, upon his retirement.

Besides working in construction, dad and his second wife Nancy owed Coogie’s Bar and Card room between 3rd and 4th on F street in Eureka. He and his third wife Joan ran the Driftwood on First Street in Eureka for a few years.

For those who remember my dad they will remember what a hard worker he was, as well as his love for gambling, drinking and raising hell. He also drove stock cars out at Redwood Acres in the 1960’s, Car 15.

While living in Oregon he raised pigs for the 4-H and had a pet cow named Debbie and several other animals. He loved his dogs (mostly miniature dachshunds) he had up to 12 at one time. It was like a stampede when someone came up the driveway. He had chickens and when the wild turkeys came around, he made sure there was food for them too. He loved animals. When they divorced, he moved back to Eureka in 2012.

He missed his animals so much, so when this little cat with big eyes walked into the office his daughter Kim worked at, she immediately took her to her dad. From that day on he would say, she was the best gift I ever gave him.

His grandson Robert moved from Sacramento and was staying with him until finding his own place. They remained living together which was great company for them both. The last year of his life his dementia and age got the best of him. I appreciate that Robert was there with him during this time so that he was able to remain at home.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents Guy and Marie Dobbs, his brothers Gordon and James and Sister MaryLee. He is survived by his son Donald Dobbs (Virginia) of Eureka, daughter Kim Gunderson (Dave) of McKinleyville, and daughter Linda Banfill (Ray) of Lakeport Ca. Six grandchildren Steven (Sage) of Redding, Robert, Leona of Eureka, Randy of Boise ID, Trenten and Cory of Dallas Tx. He also had six great grandchildren Carter, Frankie, Nico, and Grant of Boise Id, Alex and Elizabeth of Eureka.

I am sure my dad would have loved a big party in celebration of his life, but I am sure he was happy that all his children and some grandchildren gathered to celebrate his life.

Thank you to Aryes Family Cremation for your kindness and work. His final stop and resting area with be at Greenview Cemetery in Arcata, with his brother Gordon.

His family would like to thank the wonderful staff of St. Joseph Hospital. The nursing staff was amazing and a special thank you to Dr. Segiura, who took his time to explain and listen to me about my father. Thank you to kitchen, housekeeping, and security staff for all the special thing you do.

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