Michael HodgsonMike passed away on February 12, 2026 at Ian Anderson House after a brief illness. Born in Highbury, England in July 1927, he arrived in Toronto at the age of three months, along with his older brother Peter and his parents, Bert and Ethel. Mike spent his childhood in Whitby playing sports and often visiting his cousin’s farm in Mallorytown, before moving to Toronto in the late 1930’s. After graduating from high school with excellent grades, he worked for Ontario Hydro at a dangerous job stringing cables across the Ottawa River by day and honing his poker skills by night. After short stints as a bank teller and working at Tip Top Tailors in accounting, he found his way to insurance as a Junior Underwriter at General Accident Assurance Company. He rose through the ranks to Senior Vice President, working there for almost 45 years. The best part of working there though was meeting and marrying the love of his life, Joan. They were happily married for 56 years, until Joan passed in 2017. They had one daughter Karen who married a Mike as well, and one granddaughter Rachel. Mike and Joan loved travelling (especially to places with warm blue water for swimming), savoring good food and wine, reading Ian Rankin thrillers, listening to all kinds of music (especially Opera and Big Band music), and spending time with friends and extended family. Mike was a big sports fan, and even played baseball, hockey, and football into his thirties. When he retired, golf and swimming became his passions. He shared his love of sports with his daughter, who made her Dad a tennis fan, and they watched many matches together rooting for Roger Federer as loudly as possible. He could not have been more proud of his granddaughter, Rachel, and loved spending time with her, even flying across the continent to cheer her on in a softball tournament. He had a great interest in the latest technologies, which he enjoyed discussing at length with his son-in-law, Mike.He had a dry wit, sharp analytic mind, and was independent right up until the end. 

A true gentleman, he enjoyed rousing discussions and debates, and was deeply interested in the world around him. One of his favourite pastimes was chatting about music, sports, and life with his very close friend George over a couple of beers. His love of dogs knew no bounds. He made lots of new friends chatting with their owners while out walking around Queen Elizabeth Park and Bronte Harbour. Because of his interest in people and caring for those around him, he had friends of all ages. Many thanks to Dr. Benjamin and the staff at Ian Anderson House who made Dad’s last few days so comfortable. Additional thanks to Nicole Clarke who went above and beyond as his caring kinesiologist, becoming a dear friend.Love you, Dad – You will be missed by all who knew and loved you. Bye for now!

Visitation will be held at Kopriva Taylor Funeral Home (64 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville) on Thursday, February 19th from 6-8PM.