John Wilson

John Hobart Wilson (Swede), 83, formerly of Mountain Home, died Sept. 18, 2008, at his home in Odell, Ore.

Hobart was preceded in death by his brother, Ernest E. Wilson, and sister, Effie (Wilson) Deming. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at the American Legion Hall in Bruneau.

Hobart was born May 21, 1925, to Clarence E. and Polly Esther (Lathrop) Wilson at Hot Springs, Idaho, and was the second of three children.

Hobart served as a corporal in the 4th and 6th Marine Divisions in the South Pacific Theatre during WWII. During that war he fought in battles on Okinawa, the Marianna Islands, Marshall Islands and numerous other campaigns. Hobart was extremely proud of being able to serve his country and looked forward to the Marine reunions he attended yearly, his family noted.

After his tour in the Marines, Hobart worked in the mines in Nevada until 1955.

On Sept. 2, 1956, Hobart married his wife of 52 years, Ruth Loraine (Rickenbach) Lesbo, at Grand View, Idaho.

Hobart became a union ironworker and during his career, worked on the Brownlee, Oxbow, Hells Canyon, John Day and Bonneville dams. He also worked on many other bridges, buildings and projects, including supervising the crews that closed the lids on Minute Man missile silos throughout the west.

After retiring at age 62, Hobart continued to work on his cattle ranch until his death.

Hobart's hobbies included fishing, hunting, and most importantly, his family. He looked forward to family reunions, holiday gatherings, hunting and camping trips and watching his grandchildren.

Hobart was an active member of the Elks, American Legion and the Parkdale Baptist Church.

Hobart is survived by: his wife, Ruth Wilson of Odell, Ore.; daughters Linda (Ed) Gomez of Douglas, Ariz.; Tonei (Mick) Whitecotton of Dig Harbor, Wash.; sons Peter John (Laura) Lesbo of Vancouver, Wash.; Mike (Shirley) Lesbo of Paulsboro, Wash.; Pat (Linda) Lesbo of Yalcolt, Wash.; Clarence Wilson of Hood River, Ore.; Jim (Kelli) Wilson of Hood River, 27 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances be made to a favorite charity.