Eric Thomas Hodge was born in Glen Innes on 22nd February 1927 and died in Warialda Hospital on Sunday 18 September 2016, after a short illness although he had been resident in the hospital for some time.
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His father Fredrick was a labourer with the Warialda Shire Council while his mother Nellie raised Eric - the youngest of five children – with Jackie, Freddie, Joyce and Doris.
The family moved to Warialda when Eric was young and as with most young men in rural areas, he enjoyed sport playing football, and cricket. Later he would enjoy bowls and he always had time for fishing.
There were some memorable sporting moments, accolades and records including an impressive kick of a football on Taylors Oval the length of the field from his goal line to the other goal line. When asked how he did this he said he was always pretty accurate with the boot and on this occasion he just felt as though his foot went into the ball.
Eric’s work was important to him too. He worked as a Lines Serviceman with Telecom Australia for 37 years from 1951 to 1988. In 1957 Eric received a commendations form the Postmaster-General’s Department with the “the highest of praise for admirable conduct” when rendering assistance to injured colleagues following a tragic work accident at Gravesend. The commendation spoke of Eric’s assistance to ambulance staff and the “gentle handling” of the injured men.
Eric shared his life with two special women, Gloria and later Terri. Eric is survived by his only child Peter with Gloria, his grandson Dean, three grandchildren Beth, Kyle and Kim, and a great granddaughter Mia. Eric is also survived by his brother Freddie and sisters Joyce and Doris. He is also missed by his friends and fishing mates.
The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the staff of the Warialda Hospital who provide a very high level of care and to Dr Coote for her care and compassion.
