Brent Carl Hodson, beloved husband, loving father, grandfather, and dear friend to many, died Feb. 23, at home with his family having fought a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
He was born Feb. 13, 1945 in Ogden, to Carl William Hodson and Mae Louise McFarland, the second oldest in a family that would include six sisters and one brother. He grew up in Marriott, and carried the wonderful memories of his childhood on 12th Street throughout his life.
He graduated from Weber High School, proud of his skills in track and wrestling, and finding his love for woodworking and shop class. He said, “I can’t walk past a stick or wood without thinking how it might be used in some future project.” He attended Weber State University and then served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Eastern Atlantic States Mission. There he formed lasting friendships and a love for the beautiful land of Pennsylvania.
He returned home and married his sweetheart, RaeDene Hancock, on Feb. 10, 1967 in the Salt Lake Temple. They recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. They moved to San Francisco in 1968, where Brent did post graduate work in Physical Therapy at UCSF.
Their family expanded to include son Gregory, and daughters Rebecca and Erin.
Greg and Mayumi Hodson are parents to sons Yuuki, Kyler and Kouna. Rebecca and Randy Cannon have sons Taylor (Sophie) and Tanner, and daughters Abbie and Ashlyn. Erin and Matt Jackson have children Daniel, Rachel, and Benjamin. Brent adored his grandchildren and shared many special times with them. Each grandchild knew they were his favorite.
Brent and RaeDene lived in California for 46 years where they loved their frequent trips to Monterey Bay and a special Bed and Breakfast. They made their home in Fremont, where they met special friends that would become family to them. In 2014, after his retirement, Brent and RaeDene moved to Mapleton.
He worked as a Physical Therapist for several years before moving to Fremont and starting his work at Washington Hospital. There, he started the Physical Therapy department in 1975. He moved on to Hospital Administration and was the Executive Director of Washington Hospital Foundation. To him, this was not just a job, but a devotion to the Washington Hospital Community. In Fremont, Brent also served in Rotary Club as President and in the Chamber of Commerce.
Next to his family, Brent’s great love was to serve in the church, which he did in almost every capacity including scouting, Young Men’s President, Elders Quorum President, Bishop, High Council, and Stake President. No matter how big or small the job, from overseeing the building of a chapel to making pine wood derby cars, he loved and needed to serve. One of the most difficult things he dealt with in his last years, was not being able to fully serve in a calling.
Brent’s talents were many. He was a true leader, a gifted Master of Ceremonies at events, a skilled magician, and loved making people laugh. His love and talent for designing and building with wood lasted his whole life. He loved and ate ice cream to his dying day.
Despite his stature, Brent was a giant of a man. What he lacked in size, he made up for in grit. No task was too difficult and his work ethic was unparalleled. His attitude was, “If it can be done, I can do it!”
His love, humor, and example will live on in the hearts and memories of his devoted family and legions of friends. He has received a new assignment which includes a happy reunion in heaven with his parents, his in-laws Gene and LaVon, his sister Nancy, brothers-in-law Alan and Roger, and other special family and friends.
His wife and children would like to thank iCare Home Health and Hospice for their kindness, care, and support these last weeks. To leave condolences or share memories of Brent, go to www.legacyfunerals.com
