Webster Dobson

Webster Dobson Webster Eugene Dobson, Jr. passed away at the age of 79 on September 18, 2014 in Elmira, Oregon. He was affectionately called “W.E. or June”. Web was born January 20, 1935 in Richwood, West Virginia. He is survived by his wife Ginny Dobson, his three brothers: Ralph Dobson, Robert Dobson and Richard Dobson, 2 sisters: Anna Belle Bolling and Caroline Dethman; His three children: Jesse Dobson and wife Kristy, Kelly Markley and husband Todd, and Debra Lewin and husband Ty. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Arrow Markley, Ryanne Harrison, Natalie Schneider, Ashley Coombs, Megan Jacob, and two great granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents Audrey and G. Webster Dobson and his brother Kenneth James Dobson. Web attended high school in Summersville, West Virginia. In 1950 he received the Junior Citizen’s Certificate, and a perfect attendance award from West Virginia Public Schools. Web was drafted into the Army and honorably discharged December 9, 1959. Web completed Heavy Equipment training in Chicago, IL. He worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Kiewit Construction in Wyoming. In Eugene, he worked for Stubbert Construction, Wildish, and Eugene Sand and Gravel. Web first learned to play the fiddle in his early school years. After hearing someone playing the mandolin he decided it was the instrument of his choice. His true love was that of Bluegrass music and often attended festivals where he enjoyed playing and meeting new musicians. Although Web could not read music, he played “by ear” and became an accomplished Bluegrass musician. He was the Mandolin player for the McKenzie River Boys Band during the 1960’s into the 1980’s. He was thrilled to be a part of the bands’ 36 year reunion at a public performance in the summer of 2013. He loved to play music and tell stories into the wee hours of the morning. He often said that playing Bluegrass was his “religion.” He respected the traditional ways and did not welcome the electronic age. He loved the outdoors, including fishing and hunting. He loved to travel and had traveled through 26 States visiting historical markers and buildings. There will be a public viewing Thursday, September 25th 2014, 3-5pm at West Lawn Memorial Park, 225 S. Danebo Ave., Eugene, OR 97402. Funeral Services will be Friday, September 26th 2014, 10:00am, West Lawn Memorial Park, with burial services to follow. Following burial services, there will be a reception at Eugene Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Veteran’s Administration or The Oregon Bluegrass Association.