Affectionately and forever known as “Hoddy”
Born May 4, 1923 - Died December 13, 2011
Hoddy died peacefully after a lengthy illness at George Derby Center Care Facility, surrounded by his family. Hoddy was predeceased by his wife Jean (2004) and is survived by his loving children Brooke Hodson (Wilma); Drew Hodson (Jackie); Kent Hodson (Jan); and his daughter, Tracy Hodson. He will be missed by his grandchildren Chris Hodson, Tammi Donison (Kelly), Scott Hodson (Michelle), Miya Cancar and his two great-grandchildren: Danica and Chelsea Hodson. He will also be very missed by his “little sister” – June McEachren (Wally), his brother-in-law Colin McPherson (Marilyn), his nieces and nephews and many long-time friends from the Alberni Valley and Youbou.
Hoddy had a long and wonderful life growing up and raising his family in the Alberni Valley. He was very athletic in school and was part of the renowned “Termites” basketball team that won the BC provincial Championships in 1940 and put small town Alberni on the map!
Hoddy joined the RCAF in WWII and piloted Beaufighter Bombers to protect the shipping lanes along the Norwegian coast, achieving the rank of Flight Lieutenant. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage and bravery flying missions to disable enemy ships. He often told his children that he “saved the world for democracy” and indeed he was one of the many who dedicated themselves to doing just that!
Hoddy met the love of his life, Jean McPherson, in high school and they married as soon as Hoddy returned from the war on leave in Dec. 1944. They celebrated 59 years of marriage together before Jean passed away in 2004.
Hoddy found his career niche working in many aspects of the forest industry and was a long-time Manager of the plywood mill for MacMillan Bloedel (Alply) in Port Alberni, and then later in his career as a supervisor of the veneer plant for BC Forest Products in Youbou.
He is the man who will always be remembered for his trademark toothpick that always seemed to be an ever present part of his smile. When he retired, he didn’t get the golden handshake – but a golden toothpick to mount on his wall!
Hoddy and Jean spent many happy years in Youbou enjoying all that Cowichan Lake had to offer. After Jean passed away, Hoddy remained in Youbou until he moved to George Derby Center Care Facility in Burnaby in Dec. 2008. The family are truly grateful to all of the staff at George Derby Center for all of their wonderful kindness and care for “Hoddy Handsome” over the last three years, and for all of their support to our family.
Always loved, always remembered…forever missed. He is now with his beloved wife, Jean. Peace be with you, Dad. No service by request. A private service will be planned at a later date for family and close friends.