ALBERT INNES HODSON (INNES)

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HODSON: (Albert) Innes Hodson (born December 11, 1932) passed away at age 89, on Tuesday, October 4th, 2022, at the Virden Hospital with family by his side. He was the second child of four born to Norman and Katherine Hodson of Lenore. Innes and his sisters, Leona (Neil Kirkpatrick), Norma, and Gwen (Henry Harris) grew up on the family farm, originally called "BoniAgri Farm". Innes graduated with a bachelor's degree in Agriculture in 1955 from University of Manitoba. After University, he worked for the Federal Department of Agriculture in Alberta and earned his wings with the Royal Canadian Air Force, receiving awards for highest marks and flying excellence. In 1958, he made the choice of farming over flying, and he moved home to farm with his parents. Five years later, Innes met the love of his life, Joan Tapp and married on October 24, 1964. Over the years, they had five children: Jonothan (Lori McKietiuk), Jason (Barb), Jody (Doug Scotchburn), Janelle (Derek Henwood), and Jamie (Lindsey). Over the next 44 years, Innes and Joan established "Rosebank Farms", a mixed grain and purebred black Angus cow/calf operation. A pinnacle for Innes and Joan's farming career came in 2001 when Rosebank Farms received the Manitoba Red River Ex Family Farm of the Year Award. Innes and Joan also received the prestigious National Sustainability Award for Environmental Stewardship in Soil Conservation for innovative farming practices that benefited the environment including planting 26 miles of shelterbelt trees/shrubs around the farm. Innes and Joan were active with the International Agricultural Exchange Association, hosting numerous young farmers from Europe and New Zealand. Innes was a member on various boards and organizations over the years: Woodworth Councilor, Lion's Club, Legion, Breadalbane Church and Cemetery, Keystone Agriculture Producers, Canadian Angus Association, Ducks Unlimited and the, Eternal Springs committee, just to name a few. Innes was kept busy watching his five children and fourteen grandchildren's numerous activities. Innes enjoyed card nights at the Lenore Hall where he would be the 'Whist' caller. He spent many hours playing cards, especially canasta and cribbage, with friends and family. Innes enjoyed berry picking, investigating nature, and was an avid reader. He had an extraordinary memory and was well known for his dry wit and gift for telling stories. In 2008, Innes and Joan retired from the farm and moved to Oak Lake Beach. There he enjoyed building a new home and keeping the yard. But that didn't keep Innes away from the boys and their family farms. He was always ready to lend a helping hand during the busy seasons of seeding, haying, and harvest. Over the years, Innes and Joan travelled to many places such as Cuba, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, the Maritimes, Haida Gwaii, and New Zealand. They spent several weeks each winter vacationing in Florida, where they developed many more friendships. In January 2021, Innes and Joan moved to Bolton Place in Virden, which became the new hub for family gatherings and grandchildren visits. It's hard to say goodbye to a loving husband, a wise father, a caring grandpa, a loyal brother, a helpful neighbor, and a faithful friend to so many. He was very proud and supportive of the boys' respective family farms and his daughters' teaching careers. Innes touched many hearts along the way in his 89 years of life and will not soon be forgotten. Thank you to the doctors, in particular Dr. Fitzgerald for his years of care. Thank you to the home care workers, hospital staff and nurses who lovingly cared for Innes. Thank you to Carscadden's funeral chapel for their professional, caring services. Thank you to St. Paul's United Church for the use of their facilities and equipment. Thank you to Tanis Podobni for conducting a warm and meaningful service. Thank you to the Breadalbane Cemetery Committee for preparing the grave site. Thank you to the Lenore Women's Institute for the beautiful lunch at the Lenore Hall. Finally, thank you to all who gave flowers, food and made donations to the Virden and Area Palliative Care, Breadalbane Cemetery, and other organizations in memory of Innes. The community support was overwhelming and much appreciated.

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 03, 2022