John Morris Hodgkinson

JOHN MORRIS HODGKINSON B.Sc., M.Sc., B.Ed.
1932-2023

An interesting life has come to its conclusion.

John Hodgkinson’s career as a Geologist brought him to Canada in 1957, to Madsen Red Lake Gold Mines, Ontario. He then went to Thunder Bay, with The Ontario Dept. of Mines, and on to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he completed his M.Sc. and his B.Ed. , while teaching High School Maths and Physics for Winnipeg School Division #1.

In 1968, he married Gloria Joy Hodgkinson ( nee Queen-Hughes), who survives him, and in 1970 took a position with Northern Mining Corporation, as Chief Geologist in Western Australia.

Returning to Canada after some years in Perth, Geraldton, Cue, and The Pilbara with Northern Mining, he became Chief Mining Recorder of Manitoba. Settling with Joy into their community of Oakbank, he undertook a major project of building a house on their property. But the opportunity of a new challenge presented itself in Ottawa, with the Federal Government’s Dept. of Northern Development, necessitated his last move..to Ontario and Beckwith Township, in 1983.

An accomplished horseman, together with his wife Joy, he began a selective breeding program of Arabian horses on their small farm near Ottawa.

Another great interest and commitment , shared with Joy, was the breeding of purebred English Cocker Spaniels under the “ Quetico” prefix. Having begun in Western Australia, joining the GunDog Club of Western Australia and the newly formed Geraldton and District Kennel Club ,they continued in Canada, by joining the Canadian Kennel Club in 1973 , becoming a Life Member and then a 50 yr. Member. John participated fully in the C.K.C., volunteering his time and experience on many different committees and serving 2 terms as an elected Member of The Board of  Directors. In addition he worked diligently to expand his knowledge, becoming a Licensed All Breed Judge, officiating at shows in Canada and abroad.

Retirement gave John the time to develop and enjoy his talent for painting. He had a special affinity for drawing and watercolour, providing some illustrations for the two piano instruction books for young beginners written by Joy, and many others.

The communities in which Mr. Hodgkinson lived benefited from his integrity, sense of justice, and analytical mind. From the Geraldton and District Kennel Club ( W.A.), The Springfield Ratepayers Assoc., The Springfield Hunt or the Springfield Community Schools to the many volunteer Boards in Ontario such as the Beckwith Child Care Centre, The Lanark County Children’s Aid Society, The Valley Kennel Club, The English Cocker Spaniel Club of Canada, the Beckwith Recreation Committee, or The Laurentian Junior Music Club John gave his abilities freely.

His was a life well lived, a Country Man.

He is, in addition to wife Joy, survived by nieces, and nephews, and dearly missed by his well loved Spaniels, cats, and horses.

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