Friends, faculty saddened by Tobin's passing

by Sasha Malaeb, staff writer

Current South Plains students recently were taken aback when hearing that their classmate Dave Tobin had passed away.

Tobin passed away on Sept. 28, with his television on, relaxed in his recliner. A good friend named P.J Welch-Liggin who was in Tobin’s band called Roan Inish, found him the next morning when he missed a Friday night gig, which was exceptionally strange for Tobin.

“English Dave” was born in Essex, England and moved to Lubbock, Texas, in 2003. He had an obsession, which was that he was a life-long Buddy Holly fan to the extreme, right down to his Buddy Holly glasses. There was no mistaking his admiration for Holly. He had an extensive collection of CDs, videos, and Holly memorabilia, and he even had a license plate with the lettering "BUDDY #2" on his car.

While living in Lubbock, Tobin became close with the Holly family, including Holly’s brothers, Larry and Travis Holly, and Buddy's niece, Sherry Holly Scales. “English Dave” was known for spending many hours at the college and at the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock. He was a volunteer there, and helped out with the Writers Workshop and would give tours constantly.       

“He was goofy, funny, and constantly a helping a hand,” said Trish Kendrick, a secretary at the Buddy Holly Center. “Dave was just a lovely, lovely person.”

“English Dave” loved being close to all the memorabilia, and would carry a passport of himself as a teenager, and Buddy as a teenager to show everyone how they favored each other,”said David Seitz, who works at the Buddy Holly Center. “Lord, Dave had the energy of three of four people combined,” he said laughing. “He really impacted Lubbock.”

 Tobin was currently enrolled at SPC working on his second degree in video production technology. He had already received his first degree in commercial music in 2006. 

Dolf Guardiloa, one of Tobin’s instructors, described Tobin as being "an easy, quick witted guy."

He participated in blue grass, country, rock, and other ensembles at South Plains. He was constantly at the Levelland campus, being "eager to help and be involved, which at times made him a pest," according to Cary Banks, chairperson the Creative Arts Department.

"Tobin was a big promoter for the school and the Creative Arts Building.” Banks added.

In Issue 3 in the fall of 2006, Tobin told the Plainsman Press, "I love the music program here, and the entire area. I've experienced just about everything here. I've seen a small tornado, a really bad dust storm, coyotes, skunks, armadillos, and tumbleweeds. These are things you only read about in the UK."            

Tobin really got a crash course in West Texas culture and weather, and for some reason, he appeared to like it. Close to three weeks ago, he purchased the gravesite next to the Buddy Holly family. There had been rumors that Tobin would not be able to be buried because he was not a United States citizen. But Guardiola sent an e-mail to Congressman Randy Neugebauer and clarified that Tobin would indeed be allowed to be buried in the plot he purchased.

Tobin still has two living sons, and four grandchildren, including an adopted grandson and a granddaughter who died at age 2.

"I came over here with their blessing,” Tobin said in 2006. “They (his family), told me, 'you've been there for us, now go over there and have fun."

And that is exactly what Tobin did. When not taking classes, he preferred playing with Roan Inish, which is a West Texas Celtic Ensemble, and The Country Boys, which were more of the folksy genre. Some of the many instruments Tobin played included the badhran drum (which he picked up quickly), guitar, autoharp, and harmonica. One of Tobin’s favorite guitars is an old Gibson, made in the 1950s.

He was constantly involved in different ensembles, and he brought fun songs into the groups, from the “Irish drinking” genre, to the “pretty, folk” genre.

“Dave was on top of everything, and the anchor of all the bands,” said Joe Carr, associate professor of music.

Tobin wrote a song called, "Buddy My Friend." Brian Best, a local ‘50s music impersonator, performed the song on his CD.

Those who knew him recall “English Dave” as being an amazing student and classmate who was thirsty for knowledge and followed his dreams.

The college is hoping to have a memorial for Dave Tobin, whether in the bricks by the Student Center, or by dedicating an ensemble concert to him in early March, according to Carr. 

"It just hit me that Dave got to accomplish his dream and finally meet Buddy Holly,” said Jay Hoes, assistant professor of radio, television, and film. “Hopefully, they are playing guitar and singing along together."           

People from around the world have been sending letters and e-mails to the Lubbock Convention and Visitors Bureau, stating how amazing Tobin was, and making it clear he was loved all around.

“It’s a real loss to lose someone like that.” said Joe Carr, who directs one of the Irish Ensembles at SPC. “He made such an impact on people and this school.”       

Even students new to South Plains were sad to hear of the death of a student.

"I always wanted to have a discussion with that guy, and I never got the chance," said Zac Ingram, a freshman from Wolfforth.

In many ways, “English Dave” affected many lives at SPC. He never lost sight of his dream, and at the end accomplished it.