Hodgson, Trevor – It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Trevor Hodgson, beloved husband, father and grandfather, on July 7th at the age of 91. As a husband he remained forever in love with our mother, Thelma, who passed away almost ten years ago. His devotion to Thelma was shown through his daily visits to be by her side throughout her long struggle with Alzheimer’s. As a father to Sarah and Paul, he was the beacon and adventurer who led us around the world on his many journeys. He inspired the love of art, music and the world in his two dear grandchildren, Caden and Molly. He will be sadly missed by daughter Sarah (Philip), son Paul (Shelagh), grandchildren Molly and Caden, Barrie, Alan, Gail, Craig and Claire in the UK, many former students here and abroad, and his friends and colleagues over the years in both the arts and music communities. Trevor was predeceased by his wife Thelma, sisters Norma and Iris and parents John and Eva.
Born in Bradford, England, Trevor taught at Blackpool College of Art in the UK, and Bellarmine College in Kentucky before making Canada his home in 1969. He then taught drawing and painting at Queen’s University in Kingston and eventually moved to Hamilton to become director of the Dundas Valley School of Art. His twenty-two year tenure there was characterized by the relaxed and highly creative environment he established which attracted prominent artists from across the country and encouraged the growing reputation of the school. Trevor was also a talented jazz musician playing both the saxophone and clarinet. He performed widely throughout Canada and the US and was even recognized as an Honorary Citizen of New Orleans. Trevor received numerous honours for his immense contribution to the local arts community over the years. Known primarily for his painting and printmaking, he was also an early practitioner in xerography and sound art. His distinctly modernist paintings reflected his interest in design, combining painterly techniques with abstract ideas. His work ranged from the whimsical to the philosophical, always presenting a thoughtful and personal reflection on the human condition. Trevor’s work is included in many public and private collections including York University, UK; Bellarmine College, JB Speed Art Museum and State of Kentucky Collection, US; as well as Queen’s University, the Province of Ontario Collection, and the National Gallery of Canada. A service to remember Trevor will be held on Thursday, July 14th at 1 o’clock and will take place at the Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas, Ontario. Interment Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the SPCA, in respect of Trevor’s love of his pets. Masks required. To share a memory or post a condolence, visit Trevor’s obituary at www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.ca
I knew Trevor Hodgson through my boyhood friendship with his son Paul.When he was in England he lived with his family on the same road as my parents who were friends with him and his wife Thelma.My memories of him are of a kind,humorous artistic man.When I visited his home there was always musical instruments and art on display which as young boy used to capture my imagination.Like most young boys/teenagers I was not that easy but he always made me feel welcome.RIP Mr Hodgson
Our thoughts are with everyone. We were so sorry to hear this news. Our deepest condolences.
My Uncle Trevor was a great, kind and gentle man. I remember his visits fondly, sat with my dad listening to Jazz with Old Peculiar and his pipe. As a young boy I always looked forward to Uncle Trevor and Aunty Thelma visiting us. Gone but never forgotten, RIP Uncle Trevor.
Trevor will be fondly remembered for his stellar devotion to family, community and the arts.
He lived a full, beautiful life as mentor, influencer, traveller, painter, jazz musician –
I feel privileged to have been associated with Trevor briefly during a project at Queen’s University. Thank you, Trevor.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Maggie Bentley
Although regrettably I cannot attend the service, my thoughts are with Sarah, Phil and Molly on the passing of Trevor. In my younger days hanging around with Sarah and starting the Dik Van Dykes, we all knew that Sarah had the coolest Dad of all. He was a famous artist and a (real) musician too! Trevor provided the quiet but tangible support our fledgling band needed to thrive, and not just because he let us practice at DVSA into the wee hours of the night. My fondest memory is that Trevor lent me, on more than one occasion, his beloved shimmering silver smoking jacket to wear on stage. He was a truly admirable man.
Mike Johnston
Dear Sarah and Paul and Family
We extend to you all our deepest sympathy. Trevor was a consistently kind, wise, generous and supportive presence at the DVSA. Our mother, Mary Toplack, respected him greatly and loved working alongside him and the DVSA team over the years to support the continued success of the School.
After Trevor retired from DVSA and Mom was no longer able to attend DVSA due to failing health, we would occasionally meet Trevor at St. Joseph’s Villa when we were visiting our dear Mom, and he was visiting his dear Thelma. It was always such a comfort and pleasure to see Trevor and be reminded of the DVSA days.
With our heart-felt condolences,
Chris Toplack and the Toplack Family
Dear Sarah , Paul & Your Families,
I was sorry I wasn’t able to attend today.
I have known your Dad for many years. I have always found him to be a fun & classy gentleman. I so enjoyed my times with him & have always admired him for his Artistic & Musical talents. But most of all for his warmth & humour. He will be missed and he will always be a historic piece of Dundas Arts History.
My thoughts are with you.
Karen
What can I say about Trevor? An important man in my life, he fell in love with my sister Thelma and they married, they bought me my first clarinet, and I’m still playing, a great friend of mine and he encouraged me as a photographer, it’s difficult to find the right words, my condolences to his family and all who were close to him and relatives and friends in the UK.
Dear Sarah and family:
Though I didn’t know your father well I wish I would have. At every encounter I realized what a wonderful and interesting human he was. He always made me smile and though I only got tid bits of his stories it left me wanting more. I could have talked to him longer if we only had more moments. He lives on in you and your family. May those memories make you smile in the times you need him most.