Eric Hodges, resident of Beaverlodge, AB area, passed away peacefully at the Beaverlodge Hospital on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at the age of 82 years.

Eric was born on June 16, 1938, the fourth son of Ben and Lucy Hodges. He grew up in the Albright district, and in 1960 he married Barbara Clarke of Wembley, AB. They lived most of their married life on their farm near Beaverlodge.

Eric worked as a butcher in Beaverlodge and Dawson Creek for several years before becoming a full-time farmer. He spent several winters working construction up north when his children were young. Eric and his brother Jim farmed together for many years until Eric and Barb moved to their current location, where they started a feedlot operation in 1975. Eric truly loved being a cattle buyer and he formed many lasting friendships as a result. Eric was involved with Beaverlodge 4-H Club as a member, a leader, and a cattle judge. He was recognized in 2017 for his support of 4-H in the area. Eric was a founding member of the Goodfare Grazing Association and a director of the Beaverlodge Veterinary Clinic.

Eric believed in working hard and he passed this on to his children and grandchildren. He was very proud of the legacy he was able to pass on to his family. Eric often commented that he loved being a farmer and was a commendable steward of the land he owned. He was very proud and happy when his two sons followed in his footsteps and also became farmers. He and his family received a Pioneer Farm Award in 2019 from the County of Grande Prairie in recognition of over 100 years farming in the County.

The one thing Eric loved besides his family and farming was visiting. He enjoyed chatting with anyone he met. The family would especially like to thank all the people who took the time to phone or visit Eric as his health deteriorated.

Eric is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years Barb; daughter Bev (Bob) Marshall and their children: Josh (Kylie) Marshall and Cass (Tayler) Lussier; son Darrell (Trudy) Hodges and their children: Brad (Sam) Hodges, Letisha (Grey) Patino and Kameron Hodges; son Keith (Kerriley) Hodges and their children: Shelbi Carrothers (Kevin Garner), Colton Rorem, Keiran (Taryn) Hodges and Kyle (Reese) Hodges; Eric’s much loved great-grandchildren: Cash Carrothers, Cole Carrothers, Rivir Hodges, Karter Hodges, Madeline Lussier, Zayan Hodges, Kensley Hodges and Kade Garner; also surviving him are his brother Owen (Agnes) Hodges, sisters in-law Eileen Hodges and Marj Velve; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers George Hodges and Jim Hodges; brother in-law Ken Velve; sister in-law Mollie Hodges; and nephews Leonard Hodges and Wayne Hodges.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Crowe and the nurses at the Beaverlodge Hospital for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Eric and his family. They would also like to thank Anna, his dedicated Home Care Nurse.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held at a later date when permitted.

Memorial donations may be made to The Lung Assocation – AB & NWT Division (Box 4500 Station South, Edmonton, AB T6E 6K2), to Heart & Stroke of Alberta (#144 5241 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 5G8), to Alberta Cancer Foundation (#710 10123 99 St. NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1), or to a charity of one’s choice.