Mr. David Hodge of Lethbridge passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital at the age of 86 years.

Born on November 12, 1923 in Lethbridge, Alberta, to Bill and Annie Hodge, one of five boys, the late Mr. David Scott Hodge was raised and educated in Lethbridge. David attended the Westminister school and later the LCI. In 1940, he enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces 17th Light Anti- Aircraft Battery, serving in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Following the war, David received his honourable discharge in 1945, returning to Lethbridge where he has resided ever since.

David worked with the Advance Lumber Company for over 40 years, retiring in 1986 as CEO and general manager. As a young man, David began work in the warehouse sweeping floors, later unloading, shipping, sales desk, salesman, traveling salesman, manager, general manager and CEO. His career spanned the entire breadth of the company and was an important part of his life and passion. David's life education came from his work with Advance Lumber Company Ltd., work he thoroughly enjoyed, people he thoroughly enjoyed.

Love for family, faith, life and humour were all part of what was David Hodge. His service at First Baptist and life long relationship with family and friends at church, and singing in the choir were all key to David's life.

David has had a life long passion with fitness. He has been part of the YMCA since a young man. He served on the YMCA board and the committee responsible for constructing the present YMCA. He was a member of the Rotary Club, Lethbridge Country Club, Royal Canadian Legion and served as a community volunteer in many projects over the years including the Community Chest.

He enjoyed family and the out of doors which included camping, fishing, hiking and the family cottage in Waterton - special years for David, Jo and family. Besides his beloved companion, Gertie Cassidy, David is survived by children Janet Alexander, Gary (Sandra) Hodge, and Nancy (Ken) Skodiak, 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Josephine, 4 brothers, an infant son David, and son-in-law Glen Alexander.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at First Baptist Church, 1614-5 Ave. S. Lethbridge, with Dr. Bruce Martin officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the First Baptist Church building fund or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4K7.