Charles William (Bill) Hodgson

Bill Hodgson passed away on August 20, 2024 at Agape Hospice after a courageous battle with lung cancer at the age of 82.95 years.

Bill was born in Saskatoon, SK to Dr. Roy Ollen Hodgson and Isabelle Sophia (McGillivary) Hodgson. He grew up in a loving home with two doting sisters, Barbara Ann and Mary Lou. Bill spent his first 22 years there and received his B.A. and B.Ed. from the University of Saskatchewan.

In 1964 he married the love of his life, Marcia Braun, and they moved to Red Deer where they both began teaching. Bill also taught math at Calgary’s Crescent Heights High School from 1965-1967. 

On the advice of his brother-in-law, Jack Staseson, Bill changed career direction. He took his Masters in City Planning at the University of Manitoba and joined the City of Calgary in the planning department in 1970. That November he and Marcia welcomed their first child, Kara Patricia. 1973 brought significant change with the birth of their son, Robert William, and a move to Banff as Bill joined Parks Canada as Town Manager. Bill and Marcia then returned to Calgary, spending time both there and in Edmonton as he contributed to numerous land development projects, including 22 years with Melcor Developments.

Bill was active in sport from an early age, playing hockey and football. He developed a passion for golf, one that he shared with his family, friends and coworkers. He lived with chronic pain for many years but quietly persevered through it, having his second hip replacement in 1995. In 1996 Bill and Marcia move to Cochrane where they spent the next 28 years.

Seven weeks spent exploring Europe in 1967 kickstarted a love of travel that took Marcia and Bill to numerous countries, continents and oceans. They enjoyed trips together with friends, children and grandchildren.

Bill was a loving husband, caring father to Kara and Rob, and beloved Papa to his six grandchildren. He was a man of integrity and cared deeply for people, consistently putting others ahead of himself. His faith was of great importance to him, evidenced by his kindness and humility.

Bill’s memory will be cherished by his wife of 60 years, Marcia, his children Kara (Ken) MacNair and Rob (Tammy) Hodgson, his grandchildren Lydia, Hannah and Bill MacNair, and Emma, Gabrielle and Joel Hodgson, his sisters Barbara MacDonald and Mary Lou Staseson, and all of his extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 5, 1:00pm at Cochrane Alliance Church (902 Glenbow Drive, Cochrane, AB). 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Agape Hospice (www.agapehospice.ca).

** The service will be livestreamed. Use this link to join the service virtually  https://youtube.com/live/SzWKBNQ8azQ