TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM M.C. HODGSON M.P.P.

March 12, 1912 – October 27, 1988

 

(from the official Hansard of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario)

 

 

Mr. Cousens: “I rise on behalf of our party in a moment of remembering of a friend and the passing of one who has served in this House, one who is going to be long remembered by the people of York region and the people of his communities.  It is with deep sadness that today we mark the passing this morning of Bill Hodgson, the former MPP for the riding of York North.

 

Bill was elected to this Legislature in 1967 and was subsequently re-elected in 1971, 1975, 1977, and 1981.  During these years, Bill held a range of posts, including Chairman of the select committee on company law, Deputy Speaker of this assembly and parliamentary assistant to the Deputy of Housing.  In 1981, he was appointed parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Government Services.

 

Bill’s dedication to public service dates back to 1936 when he joined the district milk producers’ association.  From there he went on to become a trustee and secretary-treasurer of the King Township school board, and later served as councilor, deputy reeve, and Reeve of King Township; and in 1959 became Warden for York County.

 

These responsibilities are only the tip of the iceberg when one chronicles the distinguished career and service of Bill Hodgson.  He sat on numerous committees and associations; the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the York County Hospital board, the Children’s Aid Society for what was then York County.  His work as a member of the Lions Club was again a signal of his service to his community.

 

This was a man who was dedicated to serving people, to serving his riding and serving Ontario.  He was a builder in the truest sense.  There is not a highway in York Region that does not have his footprint on it and his care and concern.  He was a builder of hospitals.  He was concerned about schools.  He was instrumental in getting the new court house in Newmarket.  He was a builder of young people as a coach for intermediate and minor hockey.

 

He was a great human being, a man who was sincere and honest and good.  He visited his mother on a regular basis when she was living, and she lived to over 100 years old.  He was a marvelous family man, highly esteemed by our caucus; we affectionately called him “the Senator.”

 

We will miss Bill Hodgson and so will the people of York Region and the people of Ontario, because he was a man who cared and did his best for his party and his province.

 

On behalf of our party and this House, may I join in extending our heartfelt sympathy to his wife Eliza, and to his children Beth Ann, Robert, Janice and David.  He will be sadly missed”.

 

Mr. Laughren: “….. I liked Bill Hodgson.  I liked him for a number of reasons.  He was quite fiercely independent-minded.  I am sure that any of the cabinet ministers of those days would attest to that.  There were times when he went his own way.  I can recall him being such a fine figure of a man.  I often thought he could have had another career, modeling, because he looked so resplendent.  It was not all due to his snow-white hair; tall people look better in clothes.  I must say I always had a certain amount of envy when I saw Bill come in….”.

 

Mr. Beer: “…. During his lifetime, Bill distinguished himself in charity work as well, acting as Chairman of the committee that built York Pines United Church in Kettleby, the church where is will be laid to rest on Saturday.  He was an active member of the Pottageville Lions Club and an honourary member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 426 in Newmarket.

 

Bill was also well known for his work with the junior farmers of the area, helping them to understand the importance of farm work and helping them to be successful at it.

 

He was born in Nobleton in 1912, one of seven children, predeceased by three of his siblings and his mother who, at the age of 102, passed away just five months ago. He is survived by his wife Eliza of 52 years…”.