September 6, 1948 – October 16, 2012
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Milton Hodgson, at the age of 64, at Victoria Hospice in Victoria, BC. Wayne will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed by his family and the many friends he had in Victoria and around the world. Born in Victoria, Wayne lived his life to the fullest. After retiring from many years as an accountant with the BC government, he enjoyed worldwide travel as a cruise ship dance host, ballroom dancing, music, singing, biking and photography. He was also a popular DJ and provided the music and entertainment at many dances and weddings.
A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012 in McCall Bros. Floral Chapel (Johnson & Vancouver Streets, Victoria, BC), followed by a reception in McCall’s Family Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne’s memory may be made to Victoria Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation, 4th Floor, Richmond Pavilion, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC, V8R 1J8. Condolences may be offered below.
36 Responses
Dear Members of Wayne’s Family,
When the Crystal Symphony was in Montreal on October 21, Hamid Mansory advised me that Wayne had passed away a few days previously. Please accept my sincerest condolences at this sad time.
I first met Wayne on Crystal cruise several years ago and had the pleasure of dancing with him on three or four cruises in the past few years. On one in the Mediterranean, he had the misfortune to lose the sole of his dance shoe and so we “girls” decided that, the next night, he would just have to dance in his socks. He took our kidding with his usual good humour – and even enjoyed the teasing. It turned out that, although he had never met my dance teacher, Simone, Wayne had him on his telephone list to judge the next competition that Wayne was helping organize in Victoria. Simone comes from just outside Venice and the ship’s next port after our disembarkation was going to be Venice.
To make a long story a little shorter, as soon as I got home (about 15 hours after the shoe incident), I contacted Simone, got the address and phone number of his dance shoe supplier about 20 minutes outside Venice, had Crystal onboard services email the info to Wayne, and the next day, Wayne was able to venture out to the town the dance shoe place. Presto, the next day, he didn’t have to even think about having to dance in his socks only and Wayne got to visit a part of Italy that probably no one else on a Crystal cruise ever has seen. The dance world is delightfully crazy sometimes. I thought that you might enjoy this little story.
I last saw Wayne on the ill-fated Alaska cruise – the one on which the U.S. immigration barred his return to the ship after going ashore in Vancouver. If I remember correctly, it was the previous day that he had invited your family aboard and I had the pleasure of meeting you up in the Palm Court. He was very proud of his family – he said to me that he was proud of both his families although I am not sure exactly what he meant because, as a good ambassador host, he always focused on the guests not on himself. Know that he was well-loved in the dance community and that our thoughts are with you at this time .
Sincerely,
Emily Reid
We all have people in our lives that inspire us to be better; Wayne was one of those people for me. I was fortunate to meet Wayne on my second Crystal Hosting Contract. Wayne was a true gentleman, caring, funny, full of stories, a great dancer, and so much more, he was the perfect Ambassador Host, always finding the best in every situation. I will miss his smile and easy grace, he was a great mentor and friend.
Steve
What to say that many others have not already…. I, too, will miss Wayne even though we spent little time together in the last few years. BUT in true Wayne style, he did keep in touch no matter how busy he was. Over the years, I saw him volunteer, not only in the dance community, but whenever he felt he could help a friend or organization. When I purchased a home, he tirelessly helped me do renovations, calling on favours from friends, and making the impossible, possible. When you walked down the street with Wayne, he would invariably see someone he knew – and he always remembered the person’s name! That quick smile and wit, his good humour, and energy will be missed…. Wayne loved his family, and they were a very important part of his life – my deepest condolences to all of you… I feel privileged to have known Wayne and been able to share a small part of his life.
– Joanne
Today is a celebration of your life with family and friends. Your zest for life touched many people. I’m so glad that I had the pleasure of being one of your friends.
We first met at the Ministry Health in the late 1980’s and then again on the dance floor ten years later. I remember going to my first dance practice at White Eagle hall and wondering what I got myself into. Your friendly smile invited me to take steps that I didn’t know yet!
We both had a passion for dance and for photograph. We spent countless hours discussing cameras (Canon verses Olympus) and how to take the perfect picture. I remember going through thousands of our dance photos together and that was only from one event!
You will be greatly missed!
Pauline
Still hard to believe we have lost and will be celebrating the life of mio caro cugino today. It doesn’t seem real. So many great memories: planning family celebrations, taking Italian lessons together, dancing in Auntie Tina’s living room, snapping pictures and laughing (there was always laughter), visiting him on his cruise ship for a day, reliving so many trips after the fact, and comparing notes about our travels while viewing more digital pictures then you could ever imagine. Wayne always made things more enjoyable and will be missed ever so much.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We will be thinking of you all tomorrow as you celebrate Wayne’s life, and will be with you in Spirit. Wayne was lovingly cared for during his illness and you helped to make his last days peaceful and calm. Our love to all of you, as you remember all that Wayne meant to you and what you shared together.
Love
Kathy and David