David Harold Hoblitt, 81, of Portland, OR, passed away at home on March 30, 2024. He was born on December 26, 1942, in Anaconda, MT.

Dave moved to Darby, MT, in childhood, graduating from Darby High School in 1961 where he was Class President, a marching band member, and lettered in Football, Basketball, and Track. He cherished the memories of those high school years and eagerly anticipated his 63rd class reunion this summer. After high school, Dave pursued his interests by attending both the San Francisco School of Mortuary Science and the University of Montana, where he played baseball for the Grizzlies and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

Dave proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he worked at Geraghty funeral home then he returned to Darby where he owned and operated Hoblitt Husky service station. In 1977, Dave relocated to Missoula, MT,  working for many years in the transportation industry with the trucking companies Coors Distributing, Hill and Sammons. It was during this time he met the love of his life, Kathy — this April marks 37 years of marriage. 

In 1989, Dave and Kathy moved to Portland, OR, where he continued his transportation work with United Grocers, Western Passage, and Laughlin until his retirement in 2006.  

An avid outdoorsman, Dave’s greatest passion was fishing. He looked forward to his Alaska fishing trips and time on the Columbia River with his fishing buddies. Dave took pride in cultivating the most immaculate lawn on the block, full of trees and flowers. He enjoyed time as a member of the Jaycees and the Shriners. A talented first baseman and devoted sports fan, Dave relished playing in summer softball tournaments and cheering on the NFL Raiders and his beloved University of Montana Grizzlies. He was overjoyed to watch the Griz play in the National Championship this year alongside his family. Above all, Dave cherished family time, especially with his grandchildren who were his greatest joy. 

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Douglas and Ellen Hoblitt, sister Linda Irwin, and beloved canine companion, Annie. He is survived by his wife Kathy (Hale) Hoblitt, sister Jan Zeiler, and his children Cyd Hoblitt-Bertollt (husband Bryon), Doug Hoblitt (fiancée Traci), Jennifer (Storie) Caliman (husband D’Artagnan), and Nicole (Smith) Amend (husband Will). He was a loving grandfather to Nathan, Alex, Myrna, Savannah, Dimitri, Demariee, Jazmin, Diego, Kamryn, Greyson, and Gavin and great-grandchildren Kennedy and Payton.

A Celebration of Life will be forthcoming. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Dave’s legacy of love and devotion for family and loyalty to his friends will always be remembered.