The obituary notice of John Edward HODGE

John is the older brother of my husband Eric.

Despite the geographical distance we met yearly for the past twenty years. I fondly remember him as a gentle, supportive person whose actions surprised me on many occasions:

First, the huge photo of the plane on his garage door! What better way to show your profession and love for the job you do.

Second, he showed me his thoughtful nature when we walked to the woods on Snowshill hills where he engraved initials of his parents on a majestic tree. What better way to honour people you love?

And third, his understanding of wood - as he skillfully made the most exquisite rocking horse and furniture for Edward and Kate.

John, initially, I had difficultly understanding your accent, and I believe you had the same problem with mine. In the end, we understood each other's silence.

I hope someone will find the beautiful tree to engrave your deserving name.

Rest in peace.
Meri

My older brother was different to me. But as children living in the tiny village of Snowshill in the Cotswolds we got along pretty well, during the latter part of WWII and afterwards -sharing a room and even a bed for quite a while with heating limited and largely ineffective. I followed him into what was then Chipping Campden Grammar School so I had a guardian of sorts for a while until I settled in.
After he joined the Royal Air Force and I moved to Australia our contact was limited but i vividly recall his visit to Hong Kong in the early seventies when I was working there. He organised for the Vulcan Bomber for which he was the engineer to "beat up" Hong Kong by flying through harbour and then on full power soaring upwards. We were both annoyed, he because the co-pilot forgot to take any photographs and me also for failing to do so.

After retirement he visited Australia including Canberra. I was happy that my ice axe which had been left in Snowshill because it wouldn't fit in a suitcase came in his golf bag! I was unhappy that in a round of golf, despite two putting all greens except one, I couldn't win one hole off him! While he went straight down the fairway each time I took a very different path! He was an excellent golfer.
In our younger years we played both cricket and football together in village teams. As batsmen our different personalities showed through. While I played defensively and compiled runs early in an innings, John took a more adventurous approach. Not as successful but when it came off probably more exciting for the spectators! He was good behind the stumps.
It's been a hard five years after he had the stroke and with Covid during the period. I have been fortunate to be able to visit most years to say hello and have a chat even if not spoken because it was quite clear that his mental faculties were fine. On the last visit in June this year I will always remember that he spoke one word- my name when asked if he knew who was there. Eric

A fine older brother, sadly missed,

RIP John You were Such a good friend and will be missed By so many