JOHN NELSON HODGSON

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JOHN NELSON HODGSON 1909 - 2004 John, aged 95, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2004 at the Health Sciences Centre with his family at his side. He was a man who enjoyed good health all of his life and was only ill for one week prior to his passing. He is survived by his loving wife Verna; only daughter Marilyn Stewart (Dale); his grandchildren, Richard Stewart (Josie), Cathy Sandercock (Mark), Colleen Stelmach (Kenny); and his great-grandchildren, Sheralee and Colton Stewart, Dylan Croll and Meghan Sandercock and Cole Stelmach; also his only sister Mary Huston of Carman; numerous nieces and nephews, special niece Nedra Burnett and one cousin and many relatives in England. John was predeceased by his mother Margaret Ward Hodgson, father William Hodgson, brother Wilfred killed in action in The Second World War, brother Stanley and brothers and sisters in-law. John was raised in Carlisle, Northumberland, England. The eldest child of Margaret and William Hodgson. He spoke often of his childhood home and how he used to play on Hadrian's Wall heading to and from school each day. His special love was playing competitive league soccer, he referred to as, real football. At age 19 years he and his family immigrated to Canada where they resided on a farm north of Stephenfield. His nephew Jim Huston resides on this farm today. He met Verna Findlay through his neighbour Jim McIntosh, who was married to Verna's sister Maggie. Verna and John were married in 1935. They purchased their own farm three miles north of Stephenfield. There they enjoyed mixed farming. In 1942 their only child Marilyn Margaret was born. John was a very active member of the Stephenfield community, serving as School Trustee and in various other capacities. John and Verna remained on this farm until he reached 80 years of age, when they retired to Carman, where they resided for 10 years. Seven years ago, when Dale and Marilyn moved to Morden, John and Verna did also. They resided in Morden Manor II. Here they made new friends and enjoyed fellowship at the Morden Friendship Centre. In his retirement John enjoyed a competitive game of pool or shuffleboard with his friends. John and Verna were looking forward to celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary on January 25, 2005. The family wishes to thank Dr. D. Botha and Dr. Jacobs of the Boundary Trails Help Centre for their quick decision to send John to Winnipeg by ambulance. To the doctors at the Health Sciences Centre who performed surgery and the staff of G.D. Third Floor for the comfort and care they gave our father and grandfather. Dad you never complained and you were always pleasant and patient. Our memories of your kindness, patience and sense of humour, we, your family, will always cherish. A private family service will be held at Doyle's Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 29 with Rev. Brian Minaker of Morden presiding. Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Carman. John's nephews will be pallbearers. Some has meat that cannot eat and some wad eat that want it. But we have meat, and we can eat And sae the Lord be thanket. Robbie Burns. Doyle's in care of arrangements. www.doyleschapels.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 28, 2004