The popular owner of a Mimico roller skating rink who brought James Brown, The Byrds, Ronnie Hawkins, David Clayton Thomas and dozens of early bands to the community has passed.

Joseph ‘Joe’ Bobechki, long-time owner of The Mimicombo, died peacefully on April 18, at Rideaucrest Home, in Kingston, according to his obituary.

Joe was married to wife, Frances, for 54-years and father of daughter, Tanya. He was grandfather of Madeleine, Samantha and Emily. He has brothers Don, Walter and William.

Family members say A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, when COVID-19 has passed.
Joe and his brother, Wally, are best remembered for taking over The Mimicombo in 1958. It was a popular club and roller skating rink that operated at Lake Shore Blvd., and Mimico Ave., for about 25-years.

Young people and adults from Mimico and across the city flocked to the hall to skate, bowl and listen to up-and-coming bands. There was a banquet area for weddings and the venue was a social meeting place for residents.

The brothers are credited for bringing many top-named artists and bands to The Mimicombo. James Brown performed here in November 1965, so did The Ardels, Bobby Kris & The Imperials, Bill Hailey and the Comets, Frank Motley and the Hitchhikers, The Motley Crew, Richie Knight and the Mid-Knights and many others.

It is said that on the evening that James Brown was to play at The Mimicombo, there was a blackout in Mimico and the surrounding areas. When Wally went to pay Brown (even though it looked like the concert was cancelled). James Brown said “No Wally. You are a good man and this is not your fault and he handed the money back to Wally. As soon as the money changed hands again…the lights came on!  The concert was a go.

In May 1966 the club was converted to roller skating and attracted young people from far and wide.

The skaters and dancers would never know that the bowling alley doubled as a homeless shelter at night, with Joe and Wally opening their doors to the unfortunate. Many of the less fortunate took advantage of the family’s generosity to get back on their feet again.