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BORN
1959
DIED
2019
Robert Hodson Obituary
Born in 1959 in Colorado, he moved to Clear, Alaska, with his sister and parents in 1960, where his father was manager at the BMEWS base. Moving to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1969, he attended East High School, and later WSU. Modeling his father's love for bears, he took up an unparalleled affection for hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He turned his passion into a career by working at Barney's Sports Chalet in 1973, purchased it in 1983, and owned and managed the store until 2019.
Bob was known for his many hunting accolades in both Alaska and Russia - as both hunter and guide - and for his contributions to wildlife organizations, including raising over a million dollars for sheep preservation and management in the Chugach area. He prided himself in outfitting outdoorsmen with self-designed, top-of-the-line outdoor equipment including tents, backpacks, outdoor clothing and camping gear, using them as he hunted and fished throughout the world. Talented as an architect, he designed a one-of-a-kind fishing lodge in Prince William Sound.
Bob instilled both his business sense and creativity in his children, Sable and Trent, whom he was more proud of than any other accomplishment.
Bob is survived by a large, close-knit family led by his mother, Lona Hodson, who worked with him until her 90th birthday; sisters, Ilona Farr, Lenna (Bob) Carson, Lora (Eric) Reinbold and Lisa (Jim) Gentemann; and multiple nieces, nephews and their children. Father Loyd Hodson died in 2018.
Funeral services will be at Chapel by the Sea on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at 2 p.m.
Donations can be made to the American Heart Association, National Kidney Foundation or Alaska Wild Sheep Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hodson
April 12, 2019
Aunt Lona, Aunt Loretta, Ilona Jean, Mary Lenna, Lora and Lisa,
We stand united with you in love and prayer.
We send to you the warm embrace of family in Texas, Tennessee and California.
As our hearts ache, we reflect on joyful childhood memories of family gatherings at the lake house in Texas, boating, swimming, and playing in the sun. We remember the fun we had as children, running and rolling down the sand dunes in Monahans. And, of course, the jeep rides to pick up refreshing icy drinks on the hot fun filled days of summer. Our childhood laughter was contagious and carefree.
We all grew up and became busy in our careers; however the unwavering family love will always be with each of you. We reflect on the strength and bonding love of our dear matriarch Nane, along with Uncle Loyd, Vic and Barbara.
Our precious Robby, the amazing and only boy of the family generation brought us all joy and will be forever in our hearts.
Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. This expression has given me comfort and hope it gives you all comfort as well.
We remain Anchored Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding Proverbs 3:5.
Steadfast Love
Cheryl Texas, Lynnette Tennessee, and David California
David Goldstein
April 11, 2019
I met Robert Hodson about 10 years ago when he was working on the Shadow Dancer in Whittier. Over the years that followed, we saw each other around Whittier, periodically at his top-of-the-line lodge on Sawmill Bay, around Barney's Chalet and occasionally contacted each other by phone. I recall one time we even bumped into each other at the Providence Hospital Alaska Heart Institutesomething we both got a good chuckle from. Years ago, my grandson Joshua and I took a charter for Hi-Tec Paint out to the Sawmill Bay Lodge on the Eye of the Storm. We both marveled at the top-of-the line work that was done and how his vision fit so well into the building and area it occupied. On another occasion, Bob was kind enough to let my wife and I visit the Lodge and although we pretty much stayed on the boat, we were treated to some exceptional visual sitesincluding several of Bob's 4-legged friends who decided to make a visit near the Lodge that night.
I found Bob to be an astute businessman, a long-time Alaskan who gladly shared memories of events past, a dedicated sportsman, an entrepreneur, an accomplished boater, an engaging individual and just an all-around pleasurable individual to spend time with. I especially recall his warm smile. His involvement with, and devotion to, his family was obvious and was often evident in our conversations. What especially resonated with me was his ability to move beyond the health challenges he faced and live an active and meaningful life. It seemed that he not only appreciated the time he had, but also used that time well. He had high standards for the work he did and for the work others did for himagain something I very much respected and admired.
Although I've been aware of Bob's health challenges for many years, the news of his death was a shock. The sadness of losing him, I'm sure, will not be limited to his family but will touch the many Alaskans, and others, who had the privilege of knowing him.
With deepest sympathies at this saddest of times,
David (Dave) Goldstein
Lynnette Frigon
April 10, 2019
Praying for everybody...
Sending Love ❤
From Texas and Tennessee
Frank & Sue Entsminger
April 8, 2019
This is such sad news to hear Bob has left us on earth. We want to express our deepest sympathies to his family. Bob had us stop by his house last year in April after the Alaska Wild Sheep banquet in Anchorage. Living in Mentasta Pass area, we were happy to stop by before departing for home. Frank had sclupted up a sheep bust for and award for the AK WSF called the Charles A Sheldon Award which Bob was presented at the banquet last April. Bob wanted to tell us how much that award meant to him. So glad we got to hear that from him personally. Bob sure was passionate about hunting and particular sheep hunting. Frank even has the measure of hunting sheep in Alaska and Russia with Bob. The memories, we will always hold onto. I am sure Bob is on a mountain in Heaven looking at sheep. We send our love and hugs to all the family. Frank and Sue
Jack Atcheson
April 8, 2019
Very sad to hear of Bob's passing. Bob was a special outdoorsman and very passionate about conservation. Bob will be missed by many but never forgotten by those that knew him. Blaze a good trail for us Bob!
Jack and Cindy Atcheson
April 8, 2019
At W.S.U. in 1977, I had the good fortune to meet some nutty Alaskans who would forever change all of us. I trust they all know who they are. One of them was Bob. We shared such good times, created many memories, and more importantly, became an extended family of friends. Those friendships continue to this day, and our various lives still cross paths from time to time. Fate drew me to Alaska for an unforgettable 4 years in the 1980's. During that time, Don Brook left us all way too early, and because Bob and Don were so close, the Brook family, and Bob, took it upon themselves to look after each other and fortunate stragglers like myself. We all became forever intertwined, in ways that still amaze me. Bob worked tirelessly to make Barneys into the legend it remains. He worked just as hard on social gatherings that solidified friendships. His heart and soul went into hunting and fishing trips. He would plan, outfit, and execute epic, and I mean EPIC boat-camping/fishing weekends! These were famously known as Wild Willow-River Weekends and for a reason. For those who attended, we have the privilege to carry all the memories and stories (filtered of course). I will remember Bob forever. His friendship, his generosity, his work ethic, and how he gave of himself. I consider myself fortunate to be able to call him a life-long friend. Goodbye my friend! My love goes out to the whole extended family. I loved you BOY-EEE. Say Hi to Don for me, and tell him I said he's still a BOY-EEE too! We'll all catch up with each other at the end of the River of Life - Steve Philpott
April 7, 2019
We are saddened by Bob's passing. Our sympathies to all of the Hodson family. Rest assured that his old pal Don was waiting at the gates. What a reunion for them. With love, Sally and Bill Brook
April 7, 2019
My deepest condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May your cherished memories created, brighten your days and help sustain you at this time. John 6:40 gives much comfort by looking forward to Jesus promise of seeing your love one again
Shelia
Tim Metcalf
April 7, 2019
My heartfelt sympathies go to all of Bob's family at this difficult time. We shared some of the best times together . . . high school pals, college roommates, next door neighbors in Nunaka Valley. Also many Wild Willow Weekends together with all of our crazy friends! Bob is in a much better place now and I shall always remember the many great times in life that we shared! Rest in Peace Bob - I love you man.
April 6, 2019
Sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. May you be comforted in knowing that those who have died God keeps in his memory, because they are precious in his eyes John 6:40
April 6, 2019
My condolences to your family for your loss. May God bring you comfort during this difficult time. Romans 15:12
April 5, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort from the loving promise of seeing our dear loved ones again (John 6:40). Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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