David John Hodges
August 25, 1949 - September 6, 2015
David John Hodges was born on August 25, 1949 at Kano, Nigeria. He was the first born son of missionaries Ernest and Jean Hodges. His early years were spent at Biliri where his parents taught at a vernacular Bible school. After his father died from polio in 1953 the family moved to Miango where his mother taught grades 1 and 2 at a missionary children’s school. Dave spent happy years growing up in Miango at the boarding school there. Grade 9 was taken at a high school nearby in Jos, Nigeria but he had to leave Nigeria on his own to go to Canada for the rest of high school so that he would fit-in to a Canadian education system. Aunts Grace and Ruth met him at the airport and helped him to get settled in at a boarding school in Three Hills, Alberta where the rest of the family joined him two years later in 1966. After graduating from High School in 1967 he spent the next four years in Bible School training at Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills graduating in 1971.These were happy years for Dave and it was here that he met his future wife, Rosalie Roberts, who was a classmate. They married in the summer of 1972.
Dave attended the University of Alberta from 1971-1975 graduating in science and education. He initially taught in the public school system but later on moved into the IT industry where he worked for a number of years. During this time both Dave and Rosalie felt that they wanted to be involved in church work overseas. This led them to moving their family to Ethiopia in 1987 investing their lives with SIM, Serving In Mission, in Ethiopia where they lived until 1994 assisting the Ethiopian local church in various different assignments. They were involved in language training, IT work, Bible study sessions, hospitality, and visiting with Ethiopians as often as they could.
By this time they had two children, Jordan, born in 1974 and Shannon born in 1978. They were in grade 8 and grade 4 when they moved to Ethiopia and it wasn’t without considerable anxiety on the part of the children, but they fit in very well and have many happy memories of their years there.
In 1994 Dave had to return to Canada for emergency treatment in Edmonton for a brain tumour which was removed and treated with radiation. He spent the next several years recovering and doing various jobs in the computer and IT industry. Dave and Rosalie then moved to the SIM Canadian head office in Toronto from 1999-2002, where they assisted missionaries preparing for overseas mission work. In 2003 they were both delighted to be able to go back to Ethiopia doing personnel manager work until they came back to Edmonton in 2006.
After coming back to Edmonton Dave and Rosalie were involved in working with international students at International Student Ministries, at Palm Ministries on 107th avenue and with their church. They enjoyed helping teach them English language skills, visiting with them and sharing their faith with them. Special times were enjoyed with their grandchildren in Edmonton and Seattle. During this time Dave’s health began to deteriorate due to his previous brain tumour and radiation treatments. His balance and memory became considerable problems and 6 months ago he had a fall breaking a bone in his spine. Unable to have surgery, his neck was immobilized and he was confined to a wheelchair but his spirits always remained bright and he was always very happy whenever anyone came to visit with him.
Dave had a deep faith in Jesus Christ that guided his life and gave him a strong foundation for his decisions. He acted on this faith for his entire life and used it to bring blessings to the loves of his life which were his family and the work with which he was involved. Even in great infirmity he lived a life of joy and thankfulness to God. He passed into the presence of God while at the Dr Gerald Zetter Centre on September 6, 2015.
Dave leaves behind his wife Rosalie, children Jordan (Jessica) with grandchildren Isaiah, Demaris, and Elijah and Shannon (Jon) with grandchildren Christian, Emma, Abigail, Sadie and Ezra. He leaves behind siblings Ruth, Dan (Jill), and Ernie (Jane).
Celebration of Life
1:00PM Friday September 11, 2015
Central Baptist Church
9419-95 Street Edmonton, AB
Dear Rosalie & Family,
Dave was my much respected and appreciated classmate in high school and bible school at Prairie and though we were not close, I always liked him for his kind, respectful, and friendly ways. Reading Randy Alcorn’s book “Heaven” a few years ago, along with other things about heaven, I have come to greatly anticipate our own entrance into glory! What a reunion it will be! May you rest secure in the knowledge that your dear Dave is in perfect health and no doubt already planning for your welcome party in glory when it is your time to go. God bless you abundantly in these days of grieving. (I am semi-retired in Sexsmtih, AB and officiate at funerals for families who have no church affiliation. How incredibly sad it is when people die without hope!)
Grant rest eternal, in blessed repose, O Lord, to the soul of Thy servant David who has fallen asleep, and make his memory to be eternal.
I had the privilege anf honor to meet Dave and Rosalie in Ethiopia back in 1993 where I was a short term missionary with SIM. Dave was God’s servant with a refined sence of humor and a smile to make me feel welcome.
He is at his Lord’s home, now he is delighted to the presence of Jesus Christ.
Christos Xaghas
Athens Greece
Dave Hodges was amazing. I admired so much the way he and Rosalie responded to the health issues and triumphed despite them. I remember their smiles. I remember Dave, his voice, his ability to make people feel they were important (as they were), his encouragement and I smile, happy to have known him. Praying for comfort for all the family.
Maureen
David had a life well-lived. May the memory of his life and witness continue to make a difference in the years to come in all who knew him.
I did not personally know David, but knew of his parents, since my brother Ernest Maxwell was a missionary in Nigeria about the same time and spoke highly of them. They shared a love of ministry to the Nigerian people, and this legacy of service was obviously passed on to the next generation. I give my deepest condolence to the entire family, and understand some of their journey of grief, having lost 2 husbands, with the latest just a few months ago. May your memories of a devoted husband and father bring smiles through your tears.
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. As we all anticipate our heavenly home, we know that those who go before us are really finally home and will greet us when we arrive. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
We were so sorry to hear about the challenges Dave had been facing. It is good to know that he is at the feet of Jesus with no more pain and tears. May God comfort and encourage you as you walk through this valley. Love and prayers. Tim & Diane
Dear Rosalie and family, I was deeply saddened to hear of Dave’s passing.
I spent quite a bit of time with Him while I was in Canada (45 years ago). His mum was especially kind to me. Together, with his brother Ernie, we built a raft and valiantly tried to make a river trip—lots of fun times. He was easygoing, warm, upbeat and had a good sense of humour—we were the only two wearing flared trousers on campus which caused bit of a stir. There was a deep sense of humanity in him as well. I remember him with so much affection. My sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to your family. He is in the shelter of the Everlasting Arms.
Dear Rosalie, My deep sympathy to you and your family. I just heard of Dave’s passing in the Alumni magazine. Another member of our Class of 1971 to have gone before us. I do hope you will receive this message, to know that I have remembered you in your sorrow. May Christ’s peace be with you always.