Joseph Donald Hodgson a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend left this world suddenly on Monday Sept 13, 2021, he was 80 years old.
Donald was born in St Albert, Alberta, to Toby & Helen Hodgson; he had 13 siblings. He grew up enjoying an active life playing hockey and baseball with his numerous friends and cousins.
When Don left school, he started work in the construction industry where he developed a fear of heights forcing him to find another career path, he trained as a computer programmer and ended up enlisting in the Canadian Armed Forces. Don took up various postings including service in the UN peacekeeping mission in Syria; Don retired honorably after serving 25 years.
He started a 2nd career with Native Counseling Services of Alberts as a corrections officer and retired finally after serving as the operations officer for the Stan Daniel’s center. During the time that Don was settling in as a certified bachelor, he met Maggie, his life partner and proceeded to spend the next 50 years trying to keep up to her. He raised a family with 2 sons and a daughter, numerous nieces and nephews a couple of dogs and many, many, golf clubs. The nieces and nephews became part of our family. His nephew Phillip joined our home and went on to join the RCMP. His niece Phyllis and Charmaine joined our family in Moose Jaw.
Don loved to golf and spent his retirement playing golf, traveling around in the summer trying to get in as many rounds of golf with his buddies as he could, until his failing health forced him to finally quit.
Donald spent his final years with his grandchildren, arguing with Maggie over the TV and playing cards with his brothers and sisters, whenever he was able.
Donald is survived by his wife Maggie; his children: Shaun (Fran), Ross, Amanda; grandchildren: Declan, Astrid, Angus; his sister Wilma; brother Henry and numerous nephews and nieces, and his godson Edmund Mercredi.
He was predeceased by his parents: Toby and Helen; brothers: Vital, Fred, Neil and George; sisters: Genevieve and Anne.
There will be a public viewing on Wednesday Sept 22 at Serenity funeral home and a private Catholic mass on Saturday Sept 25 at the St Albert Catholic church at 2pm.
Due to the COVID-19, 4th wave and Government restrictions, we are limited to having 50 people at the mass, and as such there will be no gathering after the mass, however we will be having a memorial gathering in the summer 2022 to celebrate Don’s life. If you are unvaccinated or are unable to attend in person, please take the opportunity to view the mass via the provided link:
http://shorturl.at/rEHQ6 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y__mNj7ANQ
Serenity Funeral Service
North Central Chapel
780-477-7500
Tribute wall - a place to share your memories and condolences
Jason
Going to miss you uncle
Marie Wilson
I only ever met Don in glimpses, in his lifelong role of “trying to keep up with Maggie”. But I Never had a conversation with Maggie without her talking about her Don. While sorry I didn’t get to know him better, I’m grateful to know of the important role Don played in the lives of all who loved him. Much love to you, Maggie, and to all your family and friends who share in your loss.
Marie Wilson (& Stephen Kakfwi), Yellowknife, NWT
Liz Oscroft
Such a great man. Huge heart, twinkling eyes and bear courage. I will miss so much hearing him call me “my girl”. And a kind way of making you laugh. Love to Maggie and all those who loved him.
Michelle Hill
Uncle Don was such a great man. So strong and tender at the same time. His heart was huge and giving . He always had a way of making me safe and happy when I was scared or insecure as a child while staying or traveling with him and the family.
“ good night , sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite. If they do hit em with a shoe, feed em to your teacher at half past 2”
– uncle Don
So much love to Aunt Maggie to the whole family
Love and light
Michelle Hill ( Lacerte )