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Stuart HODGSON Obituary
April 1, 1924 - December 18, 2015
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stuart Milton Hodgson. Stuart was born in Vancouver, the second son of Allan and Mary Hodgson. Stu joined the RCN at HMCS Discovery and served as a gunner with the HMCS Monnow on the Murmansk run. He returned to work in the plywood mills and became involved in the IWA as Secretary Treasurer of Local 1-217. He served in many positions with the Vancouver Labour Council and the BC Federation of Labour. In 1964, he was appointed as a member of the Council of the Northwest Territories and then as Deputy Commissioner of the NWT. He was appointed as Commissioner by Prime Minister Pearson in 1967, then moved the government north to establish Yellowknife as the new Capital of the NWT. Known by the Inuit as Umingmak (Musk-Ox) for his strength, endurance and protective presence, he visited every community annually. In 1975 he relinquished his authority to a fully elected Council. Before leaving the North in 1979 he invited Prince Charles to open the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. Stu was then appointed Chair of the International Joint Commission where he settled 21 longstanding disputes between Canada and the US. He took the helm of the BC Ferry Corporation as Chair in 1981 and moved to Chair BC Transit in 1983. Stuart then became a Citizenship Judge until he retired in 2005. He was an Officer in the Order of Canada, a Knight of the Order of St. John, a Distinguished Member of the RCMP, an Honorary Colonel of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group and a Doctor of Law (U of Calgary). Stuart was a kind spirited and generous man who loved his family, friends and life. He is survived by his son Eugene (Karen) and grandsons Stuart and Evan, daughter Lynne and grandchildren Sarah, Travis, Kyle and Brittany. Special thanks to the "darling" staff at Crofton Manor and his care-givers Socorro and Cecilia. A memorial service is scheduled for January 14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in Vancouver, B.C. at HMCS Discovery in Stanley Park.
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8 Entries
Maj Conrad Schubert
September 23, 2016
Stuart Hodgson has left a lasting impression here in the North. He will not be forgotten.
Marie Woodruff
February 15, 2016
My sincere condolences to his family - Mr. Hodgson was a very distinguished man and I'm privileged to have met him during his BC Transit days. Rest in peace, Sir.
January 14, 2016
I'm saddened to learn of "the Commissioner's" passing. He was one incredible man! I first met him late in 1968 when I was hired, by one of his female managers, to work for the GNWT. I feel so blessed, honoured and grateful for having known him and working in his office when required. May he rest in peace after a life so well-lived. My deepest condolences to Eugene, Lyn and their families. Caron [formerly Brewer]
January 6, 2016
I am so sad to hear of Stuart's passing. I am thinking of you and will be in touch.(I have moved to Hartney and my new phone number is 204-858-2210). Love Jean Agnew
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Garth Hampson
January 5, 2016
This is terribly sad news to hear of Stu's passing. It ends the career of one of the most exciting and adventurous Canadians to have been part of this nation. We, who were members of the RCMP concert Band travelled the length and breadth of Canada as we celebrated the Force's Centennial in 1973 but it was in Jan. of that year that Stu pulled off a coup that none of us will ever forget. Flying into Yellowknife on a charter 737 along with Gov. Gen. and Mrs. Mitchener we found ourselves in another era. The old Elks Hall had been transformed into Fort Mitchener complete with horse troughs filled with ice carvings, a private area of logs for the official party, specially struck china of the NWMP, and a collection of Force memorabilia never seen before. The piece de resistance was the collection of original paintings by the remarkable artist from Salt Lake City, Arnold Friberg who was in attendance. Every Mountie through the decades has marvelled at his expertise in capturing the Force and the open spaces of Canada. No one but Stu Hodgson could have done this. This was the way he dealt with everything he touched. Things were done perfectly, the way they were supposed to be done. We ex northerners are grateful for Stu having put his stamp on this amazing area of Canada for future generations to see and appreciate. Pearl and Stu were fine people and we are grateful for their great gift of friendship.
The story of the painting of HRH The Prince of Wales with the RCMP horse Centennial was yet another one of Stu's great accomplishments and the story of how the wall had to be removed in the Explorer hotel to get the painting in and out is a true northern saga. Prince Charles and Stu were close friends.
Garth Hampson - for all the Mounties who knew and appreciated Stu and Pearl Hodgson.
Debbie Greening
January 5, 2016
The body of the story is with Karen, Gene and the boys but quote 'The last time I saw Great Aunt Thelma she gave me Stuarts photograph saying "this belongs to you now. You try and find your wolf song and Uncle Stu" A year later she died. Meeting him fulfilled a promise I had made to Thelma but also which I had made to myself. I met a very dear and special man who will always have a warm place in my heart and thoughts'. God Bless You Uncle Stu. Debbie Greening, Kingston upon Hull, England
Robert Allen, CLS, BCLS
January 2, 2016
Stuart was also Honourary Canada Lands Surveyor #2. I first met Stuart when I was an Alderman in Sechelt in 1982 or 1983 and he was the Chairman of the BC Ferry Corporation. He came to a meeting in Sechelt to discuss BC Ferries and their schedules. I had done my homework and given him a viable ferry schedule that worked equally as well as theirs, and maybe even better. He invited me to his office any time I was going to be in Vancouver so I took him up on it one day. We went for lunch in Richmond and while going over the Oak Street Bridge, he pointed to a relatively new store that he like to shop at - Costco. He also gave me a Cross pen that day with the BC Ferries logo on it. I still have that pen and it still works and it still sits on my desk.
In May 1984, I invited him to attend our Association of Canada Lands Surveyors meeting in Richmond (I think it was) and said he would go provided that there wasn't a big fuss made over him. What else could I say but "No". Well we had to fib a bit otherwise we would not have been able to present him with his Honourary Canada Lands Surveyor certificate.
Stuart was a man of vision and someone who made a big impression on me. He will be missed by many. May you rest in peace.
Brian McGregor-Foxcroft
January 2, 2016
I am saddened to read of the passing of Stuart Hodgson. He was an incredible character, full of good humor and kindly regards for all who knew him. As a security officer serving at Citizenship and Immigration Office in Vancouver, I had the honor of serving him in his duties as a citizenship judge. During that time we discovered that he and I had a lot in common. Like him I worked in the forest industry of B.C. and was a member of the International Woodworkers of America. He often told me stories of his adventures on convoy duty between Canada and Russia. He was a man with an irrepressible spirit, and he would suddenly remember a humorous anecdote or a special moment from Canadian history, in which he played a major role. His passing is a great loss to Canada. I can only offer my condolences to his surviving family members.
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306 East 11th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T2C6
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