JOHN KENNETH HODGES

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JOHN KENNETH (JACK) HODGES June 20, 1920 - April 1, 2016 With deepest sorrow, our family advises that Dad passed away peacefully on April 1, 2016, at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg, at the age of 95. In June, 2011, Jack was predeceased by Iris Hodges, his loving and treasured wife and partner of more than 68 years. Left to cherish and honour his memory are his three children, Barbara (Brian), Janet (Murray) and Kenneth (Sharon), grandchildren: Kerri (Kris), Shaun (Shaylene), Jolynn (Chad), Ryan (Krystal) and Matthew (Marcy), as well, "Grandpa Jack" was blessed with eight wonderful great-grandchildren: Avery, Cailyn, Andraya, Graham, Ethan, Claire, Katelyn and Adam, all of whom he loved so dearly. Dad was a true "born and bred" Winnipegger, originally raised on Glenwood Crescent in the Elmwood area. In 1937, he attended a community centre dance with a "hard times" theme. There he met Iris Ebert, who would become his very truest love for his entire life. Mom and Dad were later married in October of 1942. Following the outbreak of the Second World War, Dad enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940 and served until the end of 1945. Following his discharge from active duty, he then transferred to the R.C.A.F. Reserve 402 Squadron in Winnipeg, serving there with pride and honour until 1963. For over 30 years Dad was employed with the Canadian Wheat Board, advancing through various positions there until his retirement in 1983. After retirement, he and Mom embarked upon a long, rich and rewarding "second life" together. Those years included far ranging travel and many new experiences together and with close ties and relationships with their friends, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren alike. Those years, they so often considered to be the very best of their lives together. Jack had a wide array of hobbies and interests over the course of his life. We remember fondly his enduring sense of fun, his wonderful sense of humour and the sound of his laughter. Perhaps two of Dad's greatest passions were his love of building and flying model airplanes and kites. From that also came the many hours spent sharing that special magic with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For many years, Dad was an active member of the Society of Antique Modelers and a Western Canada Aviation Museum volunteer. Dad grew up in a home with a strong musical presence, which nurtured in him an enduring appreciation and love for that greatest of universal languages. His varied and eclectic tastes included everything from classical to contemporary; jazz, folk, sacred, blues, choral and even rock n' roll. For Dad, his love of music was far more than simply the joy of listening, it had the ability to deeply touch his heart and mind and to speak to his very soul. Above all else, we remember Dad for the simple grace, dignity and the decency with which he led his life. His genuine compassion for his fellow human beings and particularly those whom he considered to be less fortunate than he, was evidenced by his generosity of mind, spirit and his actions in supporting a broad range of causes and institutions which are dedicated to improving the quality of life in the city which was his lifelong home. Never boastful or seeking of any attention for himself, Jack lived by a personal credo, which simply was "do the right thing". For his enduring love and devotion to his family and for the example he showed to us; his spirit soars and will shine on in our hearts and our memories forever. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date with a notice to be issued. In lieu of flowers, we encourage anyone who wishes to honour Jack's memory, to please make a contribution to a charity or cause of their own choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2016