George Wesley Hodgson

Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) With Clasp and Bomber Command Bar, 1939-45 War Medal

Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

WW II

George Wesley Hodgson was born 05 December 1918, south of Kaleida, Manitoba on the home farm, to Albert and Henrietta (Sims) Hodgson. He was the third of 5 children, Ruth, Ronald, George, Russell, and Mildred. George attended the Overdale School. This school was in the Rural Municipality of Pembina from 1889-1964. George was a man of many talents and worked on the family farm from an early age.

George enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force on 06 June 1941 and was trained as an Aero Engine Mechanic at No. 1 Technical Training School RCAF St. Thomas, Ontario and Souris, Manitoba and served in Canada until 16 June 1944 when he was sent to the United Kingdom. He told his family about the long ship ride from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Scotland. Upon arrival they were initially billeted in a castle (Ellis House) in Journeys, Scotland before being moved to the Air Force barracks. George was repatriated 22 November 1944 and finally demobilised 09 March 1945. In addition to his medals he received the General Service Badge and the RCAF Reserve Badge, these are worn on civilian jackets to indicate service to ones country.

At wars end George became the owner/operator of an Oil/Gas station in Mowbray, Manitoba. It was in Mowbray where George met the love of his life, a young school teacher named Mildred Burnett. In a short time they became inseparable and were married 10 April 1947 at All Saints Anglican Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After his marriage George began working at McDonald Brothers Aircraft Company (1950 -1952) in Gimli, Manitoba. This company had contracts for overhauling RCAF aircraft during the 40’s and 50’s. After this time in Gimli, George and Mildred returned to the home farm at Kaleida. They had the garage moved from Mowbray to a site across the road from the home farm. George and Mildred lived in it and it was eventually moved to the home farm where it sits to this day, 2022. They took over the home farm when George’s parents moved off. George and Mildred were blessed with 6 children, Judith (Enns) 1948, Maxine (Friesen) 1949, Lesley (Hooey) 1952, Barbara (Klassen) 1955, Donald and Gerald 1958. George was a successful farmer until his retirement in 1979. He also drove the school bus for 17 years, which he enjoyed very much.

After retirement George and Mildred spent winters in southern Texas for 21 years where they made many and lasting friendships. George had many hobbies and was a “Jack of all trades” and could fix and manufacture many things. He enjoyed fishing, dancing and spending time at their cabin at Pelican Lake. He loved family Picnics in the park, family get togethers and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandkids. He enjoyed watching sports on TV, his favorite teams being the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays.

George Wesley Hodgson passed away 07 December 2011 at the Salem Personal Care Home, he was 93. He is buried at The St Mary’s Anglican Church Cemetery, west of Kaleida, Manitoba.

Information supplied by family.