Obituary – John “Hoik” Hodgson, 78

February 20th, 1933 – March 24th, 2011

John Henry Hodgson “Hoik” was born on February 20th, 1933 to Adolphus Hodgson and Florastine Hodgson in Hay Lakes Alberta, where they lived until 1938. When John was five years old the family moved to Kotcho Lake and then to Khantan BC. Before settling at the Old Fort Nelson, BC. John grew up at the Old Fort where he attended school. He loved to read and was a very good writer. When he was 18 years old, he went trapping by himself, with four pack dogs and stayed at the family cabin in Nelson River. John said that was a good year for he had 50 pelts by spring break up. He loved trapping and telling us stories about the bush. He was a strong and a hard worker who did various jobs like construction, mud packer, seismic, swamper and other jobs that were available at the time. In his late 20s he worked hard one winter and decided to go on a holiday with his savings. He went to Dawson Creek and where he was found behind a hotel with his suitcase and his money gone. He was hit on the head with a baseball bat which fractured the left side of his skull and his bones were damaged. This is where all his health problems started with his memory loss and dementia. John spent five years in Vancouver regaining his memory and coming back to Fort Nelson, I think that is what made John a free spirit, rested wherever he hung his hat and pitched his tent for that day. He was a simple man, lived life the way he saw fit. He was kind, humourous and loved people. He was a little mischievous at times. Everyone loved him and kept an eye on him but left him to live his way. John loved music and dancing. He played the fiddle and harmonica. When he was 48, he went trapping with his nephew Roy down at Prophet River. Listening to Brenda’s recollection of John’s intelligence in challenging him with the dictionary, she said he would get the word correct every time. She said he was very knowledgeable in the bush on trapping. One winter he dressed up as Santa Claus and delivered presents to Prophet River. He enjoyed being Santa and continued to surprise the children of Fort Nelson by delivering presents to families in the community. He was Santa for eight years. One summer he went prospecting with Bob in Whitehorse. He was interested in looking for base metal. They had a great time. Another of John’s favourite pastimes was to cruise around town with Pearl Thomson and see the sights, then come to the Friendship Centre for coffee and visit. A few years ago, John moved to Dawson Creek and lived in the Rotary Manor. In February 2011, John had a tumour removed, which was cancerous. The operation was successful and he was recovering at the Rotary Manor. We were making plans to move him back to Fort Nelson when he had a massive stroke on March 19th and passed away on March 24th. John was predeceased by his parents Adolphus and Florastine Hodgson, brothers Jimmy and Billy, sisters Nora, Mary and Florence (Bonnie), and nephews Roy Gairdner, David Jensen, Billy Gairdner, nieces Florence (Susie)Jensen, Nora Jensen, cousin Larry Hudson and great nieces Nikki MacDonald and Christine Gairdner. He leaves to mourn his passing “all his species” nieces and nephews that loved him so much. Many friends of the community who all knew Hoik.

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