Obituary of William Thomas HODGSON

HODGSON, William Thomas January 14, 1922 – Manitou, Manitoba November 12, 2015 – Calgary, Alberta William “Bill” Hodgson of Calgary, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at the age of 93 years, after a long and full life. Bill was born on January 14, 1922 in Manitou, MB, son of the late Charles and Ena Hodgson. Bill, Dad, Grandpa, Grandpa Bill, “GB” was a friend and source of inspiration to every one of us. He leaves behind his daughters, Randi Kuehner (Rick), Kim Hodgson (Jerry Karpinka); granddaughter Jennifer Kuehner; grandson Steve Kuehner (Melissa); great-grandchildren, Kindred, Mason, Mackenzie and Alivia; and his sister Anne Howarth of Vancouver, BC; as well as nieces and nephews. Bill married Audrey Campbell on December 30, 1944. They had met on the train going to British Columbia. Throughout their marriage they lived in British Columbia, Ontario, Costa Rica, California and eventually Alberta to be with their family in Calgary. They were married for 57 years. During their last 10 years together, he was her devoted caregiver before she passed away in 2002. Bill joined the Royal Canadian Air Force the day he turned 18. He spent time in Vancouver waiting for an assignment, then went to Penhold, Edmonton and Calgary in Alberta and Trenton in Ontario. He was enrolled in the Services Flight Training School and later became a flight mechanic. After the war, he worked in the Hodgson grocery store in Chilliwack, B.C., before moving east to Aylmer, Ontario. Bill pursued various occupations before returning to the grocery business. During his career, he was store manager, district supervisor and owner of his own IGA stores before retiring at age 50. Upon retirement, Bill and Audrey moved to Costa Rica along with his sister, Anne and husband George, to develop the Flamingo Beach area. Bill fulfilled his dream of building his own home there. Working with a crew, he created a beautiful home overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The home was filled with Bill’s uniquely designed hand built furniture. After Costa Rica, Audrey and Bill travelled North America in their trailer then later in a motorhome. They lived in Palm Desert and in Phoenix before returning to settle in Calgary with their family. Bill enjoyed golf and marshalling at the Bob Hope Desert Classic in Palm Springs. He was a very accomplished handyman and woodworker who built furniture, special toys for the grandchildren, wooden lathed bowls, and frames for his art. Bill was also a card shark, enjoying many junkets to Las Vegas and more recently online poker. His enjoyment of sports included high school basketball, pond ice hockey, curling and skiing. Bill also earned his pilot’s license prior to moving to Costa Rica. In his 80’s, Bill became a painter, creating watercolours and then his speciality, beautiful framed cards. During this era he regularly used his computer for emails, jokes, recording music and playing cards. We will cherish our special memories of him from family gatherings, golf games, holidays far and wide, cards and jokes. Bill was such a significant part of our lives with his love, stories, wisdom, advice, friendship, support and laughter. His love of life, his determination and his integrity provide inspiration to all of us. We would like to extend our gratitude to the We Care team at Symphony Evergreen Senior Living, and the staff at the Chinook Care Centre Hospice for the care they provided him during his recent illness. A private family Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held. If friends so desire, a memorial donation may be made to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta. In living memory of William Hodgson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: 403-256-9575.