R.I.P. Jerry Hobbs, President of Public Lands for the People
December 28, 2014
From Walt Wegner, Vice President, Public Lands for the People, 12/28/14:
It is with great sadness that we must let everyone know that Jerry Hobbs, President of Public Lands for the People, passed away today in San Bernardino, California.
The small-scale mining community has lost a relentless advocate for small-scale mining and public land rights! I know from personal experience Jerry spent every waking hour of the last 14 years that I have served with him fighting for the little guy. I have been blessed to have known this WARRIOR and the board will continue his work as best as he taught us! I am going to miss my friend and mentor. I love you Jerry Hobbs. We will meet again.
Walt Wegner, PLP
The small-scale mining community has lost a relentless advocate for small-scale mining and public land rights! I know from personal experience Jerry spent every waking hour of the last 14 years that I have served with him fighting for the little guy. I have been blessed to have known this WARRIOR and the board will continue his work as best as he taught us! I am going to miss my friend and mentor. I love you Jerry Hobbs. We will meet again.
Walt Wegner, PLP
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From Scott Harn, Editor/Publisher, ICMJ's Prospecting and Mining Journal, 12/28/14:
I found myself at a tradeshow with a booth next to Jerry about fourteen years ago. By the time that tradeshow was over, I had forged a friendship with a man who was passionate about fighting against government abuse of the small miner and other public land users. And it wasn't long before I figured out he was a very gifted man. His knowledge of federal and state laws, and his ability to cite applicable court rulings for nearly any circumstance surpassed anyone I had every met.
Jerry wasn't a "polished" man -- he didn't wear fancy suits or expensive watches. He spent nearly all his free time battling unjust laws, overzealous regulators and environmental extremists. He certainly wasn't afraid of a fight or a court battle, and he didn't back away from calling out those who tried to compromise the rights of miners.
There have been many times over the years when I called upon Jerry to review an article or opinion I was about to publish, just to make sure I had the laws and the facts straight.
Jerry will be sorely missed as a resource and as a friend. I pray that he is in a comforting place right now, and that we can all continue to fight the good fight to honor his legacy.
Scott Harn
Editor/Publisher
ICMJ's Prospecting and Mining Journal
Jerry wasn't a "polished" man -- he didn't wear fancy suits or expensive watches. He spent nearly all his free time battling unjust laws, overzealous regulators and environmental extremists. He certainly wasn't afraid of a fight or a court battle, and he didn't back away from calling out those who tried to compromise the rights of miners.
There have been many times over the years when I called upon Jerry to review an article or opinion I was about to publish, just to make sure I had the laws and the facts straight.
Jerry will be sorely missed as a resource and as a friend. I pray that he is in a comforting place right now, and that we can all continue to fight the good fight to honor his legacy.
Scott Harn
Editor/Publisher
ICMJ's Prospecting and Mining Journal