Death of Thomas Peter Hodson
Thomas Peter Hodson, a well-known figure at Stanton Ironworks, has died.
He passed away on 5th January.
Born on 5th April 1931, Peter started working at Kettering Iron and Coal Company while studying for his HNC in Mechanical Engineering, before completing his National Service as a Royal Engineer.
Peter joined the Stanton Ironworks Company in 1957 commuting in his 1954 MG sports car, top down whenever the sun was out, driving around the works oblivious to the dirt, and of course the car was never locked!
He wore the watch he was presented with after 25 years with pride and was sad to be too ill to attend December’s Christmas lunch reunion which he organised each year.
When made redundant from Stanton in 1984, Peter joined Hill Samuel as a financial advisor for the next 10 years, but he never really retired. He loved nothing more than when he was told a device was broken beyond repair so he could investigate and fix it.
Whilst not at work, Peter was active in both the Stanton and Ilkeston communities including as a School Governor until he resigned aged 89.
He took great pleasure in maintaining St Mary’s Church, Ilkeston and helping out until he was taken ill in December.
A supporting husband of the Stanton-by-Dale Women’s Institute he set up the tea tent for Wollaton Hall Austin 7 Rallies, and helped with countless WI activities at the Bakewell Show for many years.
At Kettering Tennis Club he met Bridget, who became his wife of almost 62 years, and they had 3 children, Jennifer, Katherine and David. Peter later chaired Stanton Tennis Club, playing in mixed and men’s teams.
In 1979, Peter helped to set up the Ilkeston Talking Newspaper for the Blind and he and Bridget were regular readers for 35 years ensuring weekly recordings of the Advertiser were posted out to over 100 customers.
Whilst Peter’s mobility had declined and was limiting him physically, he was as sharp-witted as ever until early December. Peter died peacefully on 5th January surrounded by his family.
The funeral service will be held on Friday 3rd February at 11.30am in St Mary’s Church, Ilkeston DE7 5HY (No flowers please) followed by committal at Bramcote Crematorium (family only). Then afterwards at The Stute from 1pm for everyone to share memories.
Donations are being collected in Peter’s memory for Cancer Research UK.
Please visit Just Giving or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Peter-Hodson16
All enquiries to Bespoke Funeral Care, Ilkeston DE7 8FG Tel: 0115 8501 888
