A SENIOR lecturer and engineer who worked on nuclear installations and space navigation systems has died.
Donald Hobson died at home in Waterloo, aged 77.
Mr Hobson was born in Stocksmoor in 1931.
He gained a London University BSc degree in electrical engineering at Huddersfield Technical College before earning a master’s degree at Leeds University.
For three years Mr Hobson worked in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, for English Electric on nuclear installations and space navigation systems before he returned to Huddersfield.
He became a senior lecturer in Huddersfield, spending 30 years at institutions, including the university.
His scientific mind helped him to work on several technical projects for local firms.
He retired in 1988 but continued to lecture for the British Council in Nigeria and Malaysia on courses for the University Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.
Mr Hobson was a keen sportsman and played football and cricket for Skelmanthorpe, where he became a trustee.
He also played golf at Longley Park where he became rabbits captain.
Mr Hobson came from a long line of Methodists.
He and his wife, Dorothy, went to St Paul’s Methodist Church at Dalton, where he was secretary.
The couple married in 1955 and had two children, Tim and Jill.
Mr Hobson’s funeral was at St Paul’s Church.
His brother, Les Hobson, said: “Wherever Donald went he could be relied upon to play a full and active part in the community.
“He was popular and well-liked by everyone and was a much-loved family man.
“As he said himself, he tried to balance his responsibilities to his family, his work, and the community at large. Looking back on his life it can be seen that he achieved these aims.”
