Frank Dobbs Obituary

Hard to believe it has been thirteen years since Frank rode off into the sunset. I still think of him often and simply want to express my unwavering thanks to him for all the help he gave me throughout my career. We worked on several projects together and everyone involved were enriched by his professionalism, his generosity, and his continued support. In fact, some of my fondness memories during my 40+ years in the motion picture and television industry are the result of either working with Frank or simply shooting the breeze over a Shiner Bock or two. Yes, Frank is very much missed...

His memorial service is tomorrow and I am here in San Marcos now with several of his friends in the movie industry. I've been thinking about him back in the day.

Frank and I were pledge brothers in the Dons social club (later ATO) at Sam Houston State in our home town of Huntsville, TX. For a fee (to buy film) we could be in one of his films. I was a gambler and posse member in one of the westerns. It was shot partly on the Goree Unit of the Texas Department of Corrections, where his mom was warden. It's funny to me to think of me on a horse 'cause I don't even know which end of the thing says "Moo."

But he assigned a horse to me and told me his name was Jesus.

"Jesus?" says I. How come Jesus?

Because that's what you're gonna say when he takes off.

That's what I said, too. But I think he lied about the horse's name, really.

My memories of Frank and Dave Cass are of riding around with two nine year old boys who

are playing cowboys and indians....

Covering the terrain of the desert, those two would get out of the car and play out the scene in some arroyo or sandy hill....riding horses, shooting guns......it was such a fun time being with Frank and Dave .....more fun than a location manager ought to have....

I had to leave locations to care for parents but Frank always kept up with me; exchanging emails; following each others lives...and can you believe only today I realized he and I shared the same birthday......he'll live always in my heart...

It seems everyone had a name for this big burly man---to me and my family though, he was Unca Bubba. He was as true as a man could get,the way he treated you all was the way he treated us. He was always e-mailing me with the latest movie mumbo-jumbo that a sheltered little Arkie like myself would want to know. Most memorable was the way he always began each message wanting an update on MY life. Never too busy, he INVITED a reply. I loved him dearly---because of what a neat man he was, because of how he loved what is left of the West, because of the way he adored his parents and brother and daughter, but most importantly because he made it abundantly clear every day that we spoke that HE loved ME. Seems like he did that for everyone. He is sorely missed by myself and the rest of the Dobbs clan.

In a world that seems to have trouble seeing the difference between right and wrong, Frank saw the line clearly and steered a wide course from the wrong. His moral and ethical principles were sorely tested in the movie industry. His strength and courage were never in short supply whether his own fight or standing up for a friend, or "doing the right thing" regardless of consequences.

There has not been another person, in my life experience, with greater capacity to find credible answers to tough questions by simply searching his own soul library of experience, knowledge, and wisdom. In that search, he rarely found the final solutions without a good measure of humor and some compassion (Texas style) for those who lacked the logic to grasp his wise insight.

He gave all of himself to everything he made up his mind to do.

We stayed in close contact over more than two decades, even when his travels took him to 3 or more continents in recent times. Strange how he still seems in close contact.

I will miss picking up the phone to hear his voice say, "Dobbs here!" Or, "Hello Mayfridge." No one else in the world calls me by that name. Such was our unique friendship.

I am gratefully blessed to have had Frank Q. Dobbs in my life.



Bon Voyage, my Creative Friend. Drop in when you can.



Mayf Nutter

[email protected]

Frank Q. Dobbs was a one of a kind, they broke the mold when he was made. His passion for making motion pictures is unsurpassed. He cared about every project he was envolved with and would fight with the most powerful executive to make a point. Never for his own gain, but for the gain of the story being told. For 40 some odd years he was my co-film maker and friend. He has left a large void in my life and those thousands of lives that he touched along his walk. God is lucky to have him to help with running things. Adios Jefi'

My sons said it best. Frank Q. Dobbs was a helluva man.



He was as good a friend as a person could ask for in this life. He was enthusiastic and passionate about life. He was tenacious and loyal to a fault. He could be gracious and funny and ornery in the same breath. He had a kind of genius that left you mesmerized and him frustrated. His integrity could not be altered. He was a kid at heart with a warrior’s soul. He looked at life like it should be looked at – as the great adventure it is. He was storyteller extraordinaire, confidante and partner in scheming and dreaming. He made all of us who called him friend better people because he made us think. He tested us. He hugged our necks when we needed it, kicked us in the butt when we needed it. He arm wrestled with us mentally. He made us laugh and cry and dream and most of all, he made us try. Because he walked before us, we came to understand perseverance.



I have been privileged to ride down many of life’s trails with Dobbs and I can tell you his great mind was matched only by his great heart. I’ve seen him in moments of genius and moments of grace. I’ve seen him laugh till he cried and I’ve seen that brow furrow hard in moments of absolute steadfast resolve and wise men knew to zip their lips. He could cry harder at a sad movie than any woman and it didn’t bother him a bit.



That great booming voice of his could warm your heart, give you a long distance hug or make you run for cover. His laughter rose deep and sounded like an erupting volcano. Every now and then a real giggle would surface. His laugh made you laugh.



He couldn’t do anything slow. If it had wheels it had to go fast. Even a WalMart cart. He could drive down a canyon or up a mountain at breakneck speed with one finger on the steering wheel. He knew what a car horn was for, that’s for sure.



If someone had said to me—cut off your right arm and it’ll save Frank Q. Dobbs, I’d have done the deed myself. Gladly.



Geez, you will be sorely missed every day of my life for the rest of my life

There are no words to thank you for all you have given me.



I love you,

Weez

To the rest of the world, J.P. Martin

Frank, or "Jefe" as we called him, was a good friend of mine - and at times, co-writer - for many. many years. He introduced me to Texas, its beautiful Big Bend, and Alamo Village; not to mention Houston, San Antonio, etc. He would always stop by to say "hi" on his way to or from Los Angeles, and we talked several times a week by phone about something Western. I'll miss him a whole lot. Adios Jefe ~

Frank was one of my late husband's (David Ford's) best friends. It was my great pleasure and privilege to get to spend many hours with Frank over the years. His stories were unforgettable. I'll never stop laughing over the one that ends with, "I thought you were singing." Frank, you'll always be in my heart. God bless you, Holly, and your family.

Dearest Jefe,

I keep starting to call you to talk as we did so often, just checkin' in. You on horseback in Canada asking for some bit of movie trivia, me on set asking for your thorough-going technical expertise. Both of us sharing a laugh, commiserating about the biz we loved and hated. Always generous, always loyal, always the utmost in dignity -- you were the best friend I could have asked for. And I am grateful for having had you in my life. I'm havin' a hard time, Boss, without you. But I will cherish every memory -- and knowing you, I know that wherever you've got to, you're the Boss and they sure as hell aren't serving you any chicken -- just all the jamoca almond fudge you want!

Love, always, Kiku

It was a miserably cold morning. We arrived in predawn and in the gathering glow of morning we walked, over frost covered Western Texas terrain, to the edge of the arkansas' rim. Soon, the sun rose and it's glorious warmth struck both of us face on.

My Dearest Friend,

I will never forget the silence we shared that morning or was it the sound. The sound of sunshine warming the hearts and souls of two friends. You will forever stand there with me Frank. High above and overlooking the grandeur of the place you loved so much.

Your Texas, Oh Texas

We will miss you so

General-- You are, and forever will be sorely missed. Never will I forgt the counteless breakfast meetings at Juniors; what will I possibly order without you across from me to copy from? Just knowing you was a true honor, working with you was a priviledge, making you laugh was the best. And all you did to help get "Lockport" on it's feet-- we'll still get it made, and now more than ever as a tribuite to your memory and belief in us, and in me. I miss you Chief, and I'll do my best to follow your guidance and all you taught me. I guess I'll take the poached eggs with a side of tomatoes. And a water bagel, toasted. Forvever thankful, Tricky.

I simply can't imagine a world without my dear friend Frank Q. Dobbs. The best friend a gal ever had...always there when you needed a shoulder to lean on and some good advise. I guess it's time to sit with St.Peter and start the editing. Enjoy the new location Frank and keep them all on the straight and narrow.

Oh Frank, I cannot imagine this industry without you and your wonderful scripts, stories and friendship. I know we all feel the same way.......you were "our guy" and going to Expo in a couple months will be very sad knowing you won't be coming to see us at the Texas Booth. Thanks for your encouragement and continual interest in each of our areas, your knowledge, and your terrific sense of humor - nobody said it like you did! Our forever friend, I will never forget you. I can't imagine going to Jordin's Truck Stop ever again.....not without you. From the heart, Susie Gaines

El Paso Film Commissioner

Frank

Hats off to you from everyone who loved and loves good western stories, movies, and music. You had a true cowboy heart. Montana salutes you and thanks you for wrangling cows on the Sweet Grass in 20 below weather. You lived up to the "Cowboy Up and "Powder River Let her Buck" creeds. Never give in, never give up, and hang on because life is going to be one hell of a ride. It was for you, and all who shared a small piece of your wonderful world. Now heaven is your backlot. Love Chris

Even though our contact in recent years was primarily via the Internet, I will always remember the upbeat attitude that Frank always displayed. I think back to our days at Sam Houston State with a huge smile - especially as members of the Dons Social Club (later ATOs) - what a fun time in our lives as we made our way to graduation in '61. I am most thankful that our paths crossed and for the friendship we shared and enjoyed along the way. May God have mercy on his soul.

He told me way back in '84, "Kaye, if you would just write your stories like you tell them . . ." I'd just gotten another one back with a good review, and couldn't wait to tell him I'd finally taken his advice. He'd hate the tears, but they've fallen throughout the day. He was a burly, brusque, beloved big brother, and I cry for Frank Q. Dobbs.

Frank, you will always be in my heart. Thank you for all you were to me and my family....especially my grandchildren. Till we meet again, remember I love and miss you. Boots

Frank: Thank you for all of your encouragement over the years. You've been the best friend I've ever had in this crazy business.

Frank, you will be very missed. You were a kind, gentle and generous person who we were very priviledged to have as our friend.

Of the thousands of people whose lives Frank touched, on this they can agree - he was one of a kind. Thanks to everyone who contributed so much to Dad's rich life.

Frank was one of the nicest, smartest people I ever worked with. He did great things for the Texas Film Industry, especially San Antonio. Frank even did the CVB's Ricardo Montalbon tourism video back in the mid 70's with MFC Productions. He was especially kind to me after my cancer surgery. Please know that the film community in San Antonio will miss him a great deal. Kathy Rhoads, former SA Film Commissioner.