Frank Hoback Memorial Fund

About Frank Hoback

 

Frank Hoback passed on December 15, 2023 at age 87, following a lifetime of musical and other adventures. In addition to serving as a dedicated festival volunteer and stellar fundraiser, Frank was a member of the founding board of directors of the Santa Fe TradFest. Frank played bluegrass and old-time music for most of his life - banjo, guitar, and bass, most recently playing clawhammer banjo as part of Santa Fe’s Shaggy Peak String Band (formerly Atomic Grass). 

 

In his professional life, for many years Frank was an airline pilot, flying for America West and New Mexico State Government, as well as a pilot for fighting forest fires, crop dusting, and as a flight instructor.  Frank was also an artist, avid mathematician and chess player, and a builder of museum-quality aviation models.

 

As a beloved member of the Santa Fe TradFest community, folks were eager to share their thoughts of a beloved friend:

 

• Despite being about 40 years older than me, Frank always went out of his way to make me feel welcome going back to when I first stumbled onto this scene in Santa Fe. He was a kind and generous man. Rest in peace Frank.

 

• Frank was a sweetheart kind of friend. He was wonderful to talk and jam with, full of great stories. He will be missed.

 

• Frank is one of the kindest people I've had the pleasure to know. He always made me feel welcome from the beginning of TradFest right up to his passing.

 

• Let none of us take any day for granted!  Rest in peace Frank.

 

Frank was a dear friend to all and part of the New Mexico music community for many, many years.  His family asked that a fund to support Santa Fe TradFest be created in his memory. Donations can be made in Frank’s name via the button below, or by sending a donation to Santa Fe Friends of Traditional Music, P.O. Box 5851, Santa Fe, NM 87502.