Richard D. Hobbs
October 17, 1953 - January 3, 2017

"Richard, my youngest brother by eight years, was my closest and dearest sibling. His interest in photography was born during our upbringing in Floral Park, N.Y., where our family of six lived from the mid 1950s on. Our dad was an avid photo bug and chronicler of our life on Long Island. His slide shows regularly entertained us and visitors to our home. Richard took up photography when he was in his pre-teen years, wielding a Kodak box camera and using his allowance, plus money he received from returning soda bottles for the deposit, to cover the cost at our local Triangle Photography for his prints. He expanded his talents throughout high school and would check out books of collections from the library. Once, during these formative years, he wrote a letter to Eisenstaedt and received a reply which he treasured. That was the first of his communications with notable photographers over his lifetime. One of these, Robert Frank, would become a mentor and confidant of Richard, and host him at his home for late night discussions on photography, art, and life. I had the privilege of sharing time with Rich and we lived together now and again in Eugene and Portland, Oregon, where I encouraged him to walk in to Christopher Rauschenberg?s Blue Sky Gallery and where he immediately had one of his photos displayed. ?Sometimes I Think of Home? was the title of his abstract image of a wall light in a hallway of our home. Over the years, I had the pleasure of helping Rich construct two or three darkrooms, each of them equipped with his workhorse Omega D2 enlarger and all the fixings appropriate to printing the highest quality black and white images. Later on, when he had a loft on Peck Slip in downtown NYC, Rich created an amazing setup that allowed him to project very much enlarged images onto sheets of photosensitive paper to produce murals that could be displayed at the homes of clients, and that were remarkable for their power. Richard became a master printer for numerous photographers, who relied upon his technical and artistic prowess to produce the highest quality, archival images of their own work. He also had close ties to Magnum, with whom he communicated over the years. So . . . farewell to you, my brother and friend, Richard David Hobbs, whose gentle spirit and kindness added a hugely positive element to this world and who will be fondly remembered by so many."

"I consider myself lucky to have been a friend of Richard. It's hard to know he's gone. He will always have a place in my heart."

"Fly with the Angels , you are now in the embrace of Love "

"God bless you and keep you my little brother. I'm only sorry that we didn't get the chance to see each other one more time. See you on the other side."

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Richard. I was one of his roommates in NYC/Peck Slip, where he introduced me to my husband, Alan Copia. Richard shaped my New York adventure. He took me out for Marguerites when my bike was stolen, cooked me fish from South Street Seaport and deepened my love for the art of photography. He was a talented, sweet friend. Heartfelt sympathy to all those who loved him.?????? Bernadette Tomko"

"I am so sorry to hear of Richard's untimely passing. I have fond memories of Richard during my high school years at Floral Park Memorial where we shared darkroom time in Mr Krueger's photography classes. Richard was a "gifted" photographer and taught me many techniques and we particularly shared an affinity for rock concerts and rockstar photos. It was all black and white stuff but I have to say his imagery and work were superior and I will always remember our visual experiences. Richard was sensitive and kind and generous with his time and was a great friend. I think back to our walks and adventures in the city, particularly the MOMA and Central Park and in reflection now, am overcome with a smile only he is deserving of. RIP friend, gone to soon -- Terry"

"Although we never met, Richard and I spoke regularly over many years. He was always cheerful and friendly. We both enjoyed many fun conversations about photography, printing and a host of other topics. I shall miss his supportive and encouraging way of being. If I was ever unsure about the way I was handling a creative task, Richard would always leave me feeling bouyed and wholeheartedly encouraged. I shall miss his presence in my life as a fellow artist and as a friend. Finally, and most importantly, I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Richard's family. I shall be thinking about all of you over the coming weeks and months. Sending love from England to all who knew and loved Richard, and who had the good fortune to know him personally. Gary Liggett "

"Richard was a kind soul. He was beyond talented and ready and willing to always talk about art. I will never forget sitting with him in his studio and being amazed by his enthusiasm as he was showing me a new process he was trying. My deepest and sincerest condolences to his family and friends. So for Richard I will say, "Today is a great day to make art.". "

"Heartfelt sympathies for your loss. I worked with Rich in the dietary department at the Kingston Hospital.He was a funny, interesting man with a good heart and always a friendly smile and warm hello. I wish I had taken more time to know him better, to hear more of his stories. His sudden loss is and will be a reminder that the old adage is true, tomorrow is never promised."