Arthur Hodgson (4 Oct 1931 - 30 May 2023)

Funeral Director

Location
Private

In loving memory of Arthur Hodgson who sadly passed away on 30th May 2023

Arthur was born on 4 October1931 in West Yorkshire. He was the eldest of three children and was “big brother” to Eileen and Barrie after his father was shot down in 1944 over France. He married Beryl on 4 December 1954 at St Clements Church Leigh on Sea Essex and was married for 67 years before her death in 2021. They met at a barn dance at Southend Hospital where Beryl and Eileen were in training as nurses. He had two daughters Jo b 1955 and Louise b 1959 d. 2022, three grandchildren and a great grandson.
Arthur did his National Service in the Navy qualifying as a physiotherapist and achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer. On leaving the Navy he joined the Civil service as an Executive Officer and worked in local DHSS local offices rising to Principal. He completed his career working at the CPS in Central London.
Arthur was widely travelled from Spain in 1960s to Malaysia, Australia, India and, Caribbean. After he took early retirement he and Beryl followed the England cricket team around the world.

He was an active member of his local cricket club - Hadleigh and Thundersley Cricket Club both as a player and then as an official. He was a Member of MCC but could not be persuaded to buy the egg and bacon blazer to go with his tie.

He completed the Times crossword daily as well as the Observer crossword and entered competitions.
He was definitely a self made intellect. He won a scholarship to Bradford High School but could not take it up as his mother moved the family south to Essex. He was honest to a fault, hated conflict, was loyal and always played everything with a straight bat. He leaves a big hole in our world

Words from his granddaughter Alice : Elephant grass … does it provide elephants? I never knew .. but grandad told me it did. This man me feel like there was an elephant on the edge of the street!! He also mocked me for not know what a microwave was .. 8 years we went thought the same conversation about microwaves Talking about the same conversation… you ever heard the Arthur version of the princess and the pea? Me neither it was always different I love you x I am the most proud that I made you great I love you xx

Arthur didn't want any official service or religious ceremony please celebrate his life in your own way.

Jo Metcalf posted a picture
Spring 2024

Spring 2024

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Dean Baker wrote

I’m so proud to have been able to know this wonderful man. He was such an inspiration to me and my boys I am extremely thankful to have been his son in law. He was more like a Dad. We have knocked back a few over the years, and I will still knock back a few more in your memory. I will be eternally grateful for all the support, help and love that you have given me and the family during some difficult times and some wonderful times. You will always be missed I could go on forever, just thank you 😢

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Matthew Hodgson wrote

Second only to my father Barrie, my beloved uncle Arthur was the single biggest male influence on my life. A big chunk of my love for cricket, great company, pride, dignity and fun I learnt from this rather wonderful man. Trips to Lords as a kid in the late 70's,crying with laughter in the garden of Arthur and Beryl's in the last 20yrs.....I reflect on an amazing man and my dads best friend and big brother. Truly wonderful and truly missed X

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Carrie (Carol) Nolan (Crossfield) wrote

Rest in peace Uncle Arthur, now with Auntie Beryl and our departed families having a heavenly party! Love and miss you all so much 💕x

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Claire Alwan wrote

In loving memory of Uncle Arthur - loved always and never forgotten xx

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  • Jo, I love this pic. The eyes say it all. Love, cousin Matt X

    Posted by Matthew on 11/07/2023 Report abuse
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