Loving husband and proud father to three daughters, Douglas was born in Glasgow to Harry and Agnes Hodgkinson (Gunning). Douglas dedicated his life to music and education. He taught in Lewisporte, NL, and worked with the New Brunswick Ministry of Education, the BC Ministries of Education and Advanced Education, the Council of Ministries of Education Canada, and the Canadian Council on Learning. A gifted musician, Douglas began as a church organist at age 13. His positions included Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton, St. Aidan’s and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian in Victoria as well as interim organist at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria.
Douglas was a life-long learner with many passions ranging from music, art and photography, to science, cars, and astronomy. He was known for his knowledge, quick wit, generosity, and kindness.
Douglas is survived by his wife Amanda; his daughters Beth (Bill), Leslie (Aaron), and Isla (Steve); his grandchildren Finley, Rowan, Lynnia, Hunter, Alora, and Koa; and his sister Susan (Norman). No service planned. Our thanks to the caring staff of St. Charles Manor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Symphony.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Finley Hodgkinson
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Karen Phinney Am so sorry to read this. Doug was a fantastic organist and choirmaster at Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton. I was in his choir, we did wonderful music and also were a Merry group, socializing too!
Am sorry for your loss, all family and friends.
Cheers
Karen Phinney
Halifax
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Alexander Paterson Jennifer and I were saddened to hear of Douglas’s death. We were at school with him in the 60s and afterwards I was at Glasgow University at the same time as him. We were close friends as we shared similar interests. Although, unlike Douglas, I have no musical talent, I like classical music and enjoyed going to concerts with him in the City Halls. I also remember making an open reel recording of him playing the church organ. After he left for Newfoundland, we corresponded for a while, although it wound down over the years. He did turn up on our doorstep every few years when we would talk and listen to music into the night. I shall miss that, and am grateful for and mindful of the influence his friendship had on my life. Douglas also played French Horn, so I shall listen to some Flanders and Swann, and perhaps Dennis Brain playing Mozart, which I remember being favorites of his, while I remember a happier time. From the messages above, Douglas certainly made full and joyful use of his biblical three score years and ten.
Our sincere condolences to his family. Think only of the good times
Alex and Jennifer Paterson
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Joyce Nordwall Dear Amanda and family,
I was saddened to hear of Douglas’s passing and being aware of his deteriorating health, you
were in my prayers.
I knew him through St.Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and the Gaelic Choir.
I was born in Greenock and we had many stories to share about the Clyde and ” Doon the watter”
My sincere sympathy and much understanding in your loss of a caring and very talented man.Joyce Nordwall
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Josephine Hoskins Dear Amanda and family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of Douglas. I knew him as the conductor of the Gaelic Choir, leading us on many engagements and the ambitious trips to Scotland to compete in the Royal National Mod – with spectacular success in Oban! Personally I got to know him better on our many walks when he was recovering from surgery.A lovely man.
Josephine Hoskins
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Jack Reimer Dear Amanda and Family. Dorothy and I are very saddened by this news. Douglas, our friend, was as gifted a musician as any and loved his choirs and the music of the church. But beyond that he was full of wit and had a passion for many aspects of life outside of his chosen professions. We will miss him as will our Church communities and those that worked with him.
Dorothy and Jack Reimer
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Tamara Knighton Dear Amanda,
I very sorry for your loss. With my warmest condolences, I am sending thoughts of peace and courage to you and your family.
Tamara
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Chris George Dear Amanda,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your daughters and family through this difficult time. May your many fond memories of Douglas give you strength and comfort.
My condolences,
Chris
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Reverend Doctor Murray Groom I was taken by surprise on reading of Doug’s passing and am saddened to know he’s gone. He and I met when we worked together in ministry at St. Aidan’s United Church. Doug was an excellent musician, a wonderful raconteur, intelligent, insightful and above all, a good friend. I am richer for having known him. Please accept my condolences as you mourn his death and celebrate his life.
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Kate Miller Dear Amanada and family,
We were so sorry to hear that Douglas has died. We are holding you all in our prayers and sending love and hugs to you.
Douglas was a very special person. We are so very sorry for your loss. Kate and Rob xxx
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Yvonne Sutherland Beth,Leslie,Isla:
John and I (Yvonne) Sutherland would like to convey our sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad.We met your Dad and Mom the day after they arrived in Lewisporte, NL. where your Dad would be taking up a position as Music Teacher at Lewisporte Elementary School.As I taught there I was able to give him some insight into the school set up and John being from Scotland was eager to meet up with another Scotsman!! From there a friendship began until your parents left NL. We shared many get togethers and some lively, interesting conversations with your Dad.
Your Dad did visit with us once several years ago when he was in NL on business.However we never had the opportunity to connect with him again but often spoke of him and wondered where he was located and what he was doing.It came as a shock when we learned of his death through our son’s neighbor, Charlotte Strong.
Reading your Dad’s obituary we can tell he had many accomplishments in his life, worked very hard and enjoyed his hobbies and family. His was an amazing life for sure. However a life cut short too soon .He has certainly left you all with many memories which will sustain you through this difficult time.
Yvonne
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Margaret Chapman I have good memories of our days at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. I was the soprano soloist there for a number of years, and Douglas was a kind, encouraging, and honest colleague.
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Louise McAndrew I was so sorry to hear that Douglas had passed he put up a great fight and it was wonderful that you were by his side. I know all his talents will be long remembered by everyone who knew him. My condolences to you and all the family.
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Doug McCall Mary and I were saddened to hear the news about Douglas’s passing. It was a privilege to work with Douglas on educational issues that affected all Canadians. In these troubled times,his intelligence and diplomacy are sorely missed. Our best wishes go to Amanda and his family.
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Fiona Deller Amanda,
I am so sorry to hear about Douglas. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Warmly and with sympathy,
Fiona
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Eddie and Carol Sear Amanda and Family, Carol and I are so sorry to hear that Douglas has passed on. He was great guy and had a good sense of humour. We who sang with him in the choir are grateful for the work he put in to take us to compete in the Royal National Mod in Oban in 2003 and Stornoway in 2005. Our sincere condolences to you and your Family.
Eddie and Carol Spencer.
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Alexander Provan Dear Amanda. We were very sorry to learn that Douglas had passed away although we were aware that he been in poor health for some time. Douglas was a wonderful asset to our Victoria Gaelic Choir, especially on our trip to the Oban mod where we collected several trophies in spite of strong competition from the Scottish Choirs. Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. Alec and Margaret Provan.
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Michael Elcock Dear Amanda, I’m so sorry to hear of Douglas’s death. I met you only briefly on the few times I would transport Douglas from the parking lot at the 17 Mile House to the Saltire Society gatherings in town. He was such a lovely fellow. I very much enjoyed our little chats as we wound our way through the Sooke Hills on those dark winter nights – and back again later, to meet you in that parking lot to hand him back for you to take him the rest of his way home. I never did get to hear Douglas play his music. I never knew him long enough for that. But I knew him long enough to know I won’t forget him.
With my condolences and very best wishes to you and your family,
Michael Elcock
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Moira Bernard Dear Amanda, Beth, Leslie, Isla and families,,
I am so sorry to hear of Douglas’s death. He was such a wonderful man, a great musician and a wonderful Organist for our church at St. Andrew’s. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
All our love
Moira and Roger
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Aidan O'Neill Dear Amanda,
I was so sorry to get this news.
When a death occurs in a family, there are never any words to convey the appropriate sense of sympathy and loss, so I will not try. Just know that my thoughts are with you during this time.
This obituary does a wonderful job of explaining who Douglas was as a person. Having read it, I’m just sorry that I never knew him. He sounds like someone I could have spent many hours chatting with.
I was in an Anglican church choir for many years (as a child growing up in Montreal), so I know that you should also pay attention to, and follow the direction of, the organist.
Again, I’m thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry.Aidan
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Wanda Noel Dear Amanda
Working with you over the past several years has made me appreciate your insight and steady ways. Since I received news of the passing of your husband, I have been thinking that both of these characteristics will help you through this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and even though words cannot make things better, I hope it helps you to know that many people are thinking of you.
Wanda
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Josée Bégin and Lynn Barr-Telford Dear Amanda,
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
With sympathy,Your friends at Statistics Canada
Lynn Barr-Telford & Josee Begin
Thank you all for your love and support through theses hard times. A couple years have passed and we still miss him.