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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
HODDER, Wilson - Born a Newfoundlander on January 26, 1949, and died a Canadian on July 4, 2000. Wilson was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his death. He was the son of the late Charles E. and Annie (Bailey) Hodder of Ireland's Eye, Newfoundland. As a teenager, Wilson was very much involved in his community serving as the president of the Youth Club of Trinity, Newfoundland. At the age of 19, he left home and was employed by various marine companies until 1970 when he joined the Royal Canadian Navy. Upon leaving the navy in 1979, he joined the Bedford Institute of Oceanography for a number of years. Later he was employed with Metropolitan Life. He became involved in property management forming his own company. Wilson retired in 1994 due to deteriorating health brought on by Human Immunodeficiency Virus. He became involved in the HIV/AIDS movement in the early 1980's, first as a volunteer and later serving on various boards and committees locally and nationally. In 1988, he was actively involved with others in founding the Nova Scotia Persons with AIDS Coalition assuming the responsibility of chairperson of the Board in 1991. Wilson continued to serve in that position until the PWA Coalition merged with AIDS Nova Scotia to become The AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia. He served this new organization as founding chairperson until 1999. He was still serving as a Board member at the time of his death. Wilson served four years on the Board of the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS). This gave him the opportunity to attend many conferences and seminars across Canada and around the world. He is the recipient of the Year 2000 CAS Leadership Award. Wilson was also a Vice-President of the Names Project (AIDS Quilt) Canada. Wilson was a steadfast fighter for human rights for all. He was especially passionate in his struggle for equality for gay men and lesbians. He was a member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Nova Scotia and served a term as their president. Among the many awards and recognitions that Wilson has received the latest was the Halifax Regional Municipality's 250th Anniversary Medal. He was a member of the Canadian Club of Halifax and the Tightrope Brotherhood just to name a couple of his many associations. Wilson was predeceased by his parents and his life partner, Terry Martin. He is survived by his brothers, Clyde Hodder and family, of St. John's; Harvey Bailey and family, of Harbour Grace and his step-mother, Marjorie Hodder, of Clarenville, all in Newfoundland. In Nova Scotia, he is survived by Terry's mother, Marie Martin, Terry's son, Darren and Terry's and Wilson's grandson, Garrett Martin, all of Lower Sackville. Before his death, Wilson indicated that he wanted to thank all his friends and medical professionals who cared for him especially, the staff at the Victoria General Hospital Day Unit and the Acute Home Care nurses at the Dartmouth General Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Wilson's life will be held in St. John's United Church, 2570 Windsor Street, Halifax on Saturday, July 8, 2000 at 8 p.m., The Reverend Roy Ellis and the Reverend Louis Caissie will preside. Arrangements are entrusted to Dartmouth Funeral Home, 29 Queen St. No flowers please. Donations may be made to the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia (429-7922).
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