Herman C. Hobbick Herman died peacefully, at home, January 7, 2009 with his wife Nedra of 38 years at his side. He was he was born November 19, 1942 in Tacoma the son of Ralph and Gussie Hobbick. At the age of 3 the family moved to Indiana where he resided until 1961 when joining the United States Navy. Herman served for 8 years including time aboard the U.S.S Kitty Hawk. During this time Herman became licensed as an aircraft mechanic and developed a love for airplanes. Herman met the love of his life, Nedra, in Columbus, Indiana where they married December 24, 1970. He embraced her children, Laurie and Jim as his own. The family moved to Fairbanks, Alaska where he worked as an airplane mechanic traveling many times to the North Slope. They left Alaska in 1972. Over the years Herman and Nedra returned to Alaska where he worked as a "Jack-of-all-trades". Eventually they landed in Mount Vernon, WA in 1974. Herman bought a backhoe without ever having operated one. He drove it all over Mount Vernon doing various jobs. This business developed into Herman's Backhoe Service. Herman and Nedra took a break for a year in the California desert. When returning to Mount Vernon Herman attained a Real Estate license. In 1990 he formed Herman Hobbick Trucking, Inc. in Burlington, WA until his retirement in 2005. He also owned Indian Motorcycle, in Burlington, from 2000-2002. Herman loved his business and made many friends in the community. It is undecided which he enjoyed most- the trucking company or the motorcycle shop. He liked to tinker in his shop and could fix anything. Herman learned how to bake in the navy and enjoyed decorating cakes for his friends. He was an excellent roller skater and dancer and loved to play games. Most of all he loved his grandchildren and dogs. He was a cantankerous joker with a big heart and always had a positive attitude. He was truly one of a kind and lived life to the fullest. Herman was preceded in death by his parents and brother Lester. He is survived by his wife, Nedra; daughter, Laurie and son, Jim; brothers, Charles and Markle; numerous nieces and nephews; 5 grandchildren, Jeremy, Chrissy, Katelyn, Grace and Gwendolyn and 1 great-grandchild, Kailania. A celebration of Herman's life will be Tuesday, January 13, 2009 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. at Hawthorne Funeral Home. The formal portion of the service will begin at 4:00 with a reception to follow the Military Honors at 4:30 pm.