Noted Educator Departs This Life

A service of thanksgiving for the life of John Calvin Hodge was held at the St. George's Episcopal Church in Road Town on Thursday April 6th. The late John Calvin Hodge was born in Anguilla June 7th, 1924, but migrated to the British Virgin Islands about 30 years ago. Teacher Hodge, as he was affectionately called, worked as a teacher and principal in the public school and later as a principal in a private school. He first worked in 1969 as an Assistant Teacher at Meyers Primary (renamed Enis Adams Primary). From 1969 to 1970, he was the Principal of the Jost Van Dyke Primary School, from 1970-1972, he was Principal of the Cappoon's Bay Primary School (renamed the Leonora Delville Primary School), from 1972 to 1981, he served as a Teacher at the BVI High School and as Principal of the St. George's Anglican School from 1987 to 1991. Mr. John Calvin Hodge passed away April 1st.

He leaves to mourn his wife Doreen, sons and daughters, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, numerous God-children, past students and friends at home and abroad. In paying tribute to Mr. Hodge, Vicar E. Don Taylor, Bishop of New York City referred to him as one of the stalwarts of the church in the Virgin Islands. He said the name John Calvin Hodge is synonymous with dignity, integrity and Christian example. "It was a joy for me to have shared his friendship and support while I was Bishop of the Virgin Islands." Former Rector of St. George's Parish Julian Clarke also joined with the many persons from the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla and elsewhere, in offering condolences to Mr. Hodge's family. He said the deceased was a father and a husband, an educator, a musician, a sportsman and above all a Christian who sought to touch others because he knew that Jesus touched him. Chief Education Officer Angel Smith noted that Teacher Hodge nurtured and moulded the minds of many. "He brought charisma and style to the teaching profession and was able to bring out the best in his students, many of whom he was able to develop a life long friendship with....The contributions of this great man to the education system in the British Virgin Islands are greatly appreciated by the people of this territory and in particular the Department of Education and Culture." The participants in the service were the Rev. Canon Ashton J. Brooks, the Rev. Canon Lionel S. Rhymer, the Rev. E. Ambrose Gumbs, the Rev. David A. Stedman, the Rev. Dr. Wicherley Gumbs and the Rev. Cecil O. Weekes. Dr. Charles Wheatley read the eulogy; the lessons were read by Mr. A.O. Shirley and Dr. Trevor Parris and Dr. John Wright led out with the prayers of the people. During the service, special selections were rendered by the Purcell Methodist Church Choir, Leonard Hodge and Arthur Selwood, the St. George's Church Choir and the School Choir. The family of the late John Calvin Hodge wishes to express thanks and appreciation to relatives and friends and to the many others, including the staff of Peebles Hospital, St. George's School, the Directors of Roadtown Wholesale, the congregation of St. George's Church etc., who assisted them during this difficult time.

The publishers, management and staff of The Island Sun newspaper wish to extend their sincere conodolences.