Obituary of John Hodgson

John Murray Hodgson Q.C., L.S.M. Died peacefully at his home on Monday, January 24th, 2011 in his 90th year, completing 65 years as a student, associate, partner and partner emiritus of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. He focused on individuals, their legal needs, and on public and legal training and on charity law and not-for profit organizations. He attended Upper Canada College, Trinity College at the University of Toronto and after three years overseas and service in Italy with the 48th Highlanders, he attended Osgoode Hall, Toronto and was called to the Bar in 1949. He was awarded his Q.C. in 1968 and the Law Society Medal in 1988. His life was built around the love and 58 year partnership with his wife, Joan Morris Hodgson Q.C. and his family. He was the loving father of James (Jane Dams) and Matthew (Andria Dams) of Guelph and Barbara (Walter McCormick) of Toronto and proud grandfather of Caitlin, Hannah and Elizabeth Hodgson and William, Maggie and Connor McCormick. He is survived by his sister Joan Vatcher and predeceased by his sisters Mary Rogers Doherty and Barbara Hodgson Savage. The extent and variety of his contribution to the professional areas of taxation, wills and trusts and of charity and not for profit fields was continual and substantial. It included involvement in both the technical and educational fields. He managed an almost continual supplement of charitable work in addition to his normal work, and was widely recognized as a leader in this field. Funeral service will be held in the CALVIN PRESBYTERIAN AND DEER PARK UNITED CHURCH, 26 Delisle Avenue, Toronto on Friday, January 28th at 11:30 a.m., followed by a reception at the Badminton and Racquet Club of Toronto, 25 St. Clair Avenue West. Donations, but only if it appeals, to Imagine Canada for the John Hodgson Library, 2 Carlton Street, Suite 600, Toronto M5B 1J3. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.