Skip to content

HODSON, Wesley Bertram

July 30, 1923 - August 9, 2009

Wes Hodson passed away at Peace Arch Hospital surrounded by his loving wife Barbara and his many children and grandchildren. Having recently celebrated his 86th birthday, Wes remained an active athlete to the end, excelling in not only sports but in sportsmanship, physical stamina and as a leader. When Wes was barely 20 years old, his mother Jean traveled to Dauphin, Manitoba to pin on his 'wings' in what began his rise to Flight Lieutenant as a Second World War Bomber commander - 431 Squadron. Born to a prominent Vancouver family with a home in Fairview slopes, Wes brought history alive with tales of his many adventures including boat trips from Vancouver harbour, train trips to the lakes that would eventually be named Whistler resort and ski jumping in the North Shore mountains that earned him the title of Canada's Junior Ski Jump champion. Wesley moved his growing family to White Rock in 1955 and continued his life-long passion as an accomplished golfer winning many championships and spots in the BC Summer Games. His first wife, Mable, predeceased Wes in 1970. He continued the family tradition as a Dental Mechanic and was well known in the White Rock area. Wes and his wife Barbara, herself an athlete of note, raised the family to love sports and family gatherings of all kinds. There was nothing better than Sunday dinner from their kitchen. As loving partners, Wes and Barb took many trips across the United States and never left their clubs far behind. The children, always a great source of pride and love for Wes, will keenly feel the loss of 'pops'. Michael, Rex, Terry, Pamela, Joanne, Lorraine, Peter, Gordon, Jeff, Greg and Edwin and their partners, 24 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren have a lifetime of memories they will cherish and a love of life that will help guide their own decisions. A service will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2009, at 2pm at Victory Memorial Gardens in South Surrey. In lieu of flowers please send donations Hospice Society, Palliative Care, Peace Arch Hospital.