Doug Hodge
We have received the very sad news that former sea-going Electrical Officer and Electrical Superintendent Doug Hodge (Fleet Management Division, Beagle House) has passed away. On the OCL Bay Boats Facebook group William (Bill) McLaughlin announced Doug's passing as follows:
"It is with great sadness that I am passing on the sad news that a great friend and workmate, Doug Hodge passed away with a brain tumour on 8th of June. Valerie, his wife, tried contacting me while I was away but did not have my mobile number. She has asked me to pass on details of his funeral to all his former colleagues in OCL where he sailed from day one till he joined Ken Blackett as Electrical Superintendent in Fleet Management. He then joined forces with me at Mannings Marine where we continued to work on the Bay Boats.
His funeral will be held on 7th July at 2.30 pm at:
Halstead Road
High Garrett
Braintree
Essex
CM7 5PB
Valerie has said that all that knew Doug are welcome and that there is no particular dress code.
I am sure we all send our deepest condolences to Valerie and all the family."
Doug and Valerie Hodge on the Flinders Bay in 1969
Bill passed the sad news on via the OCL Bay Boats Facebook group where a number of Doug's former shipmates and colleagues followed up with their own tributes. These included the following recollections:
"My first memory of Doug was when I joined the Encounter Bay for my makee learnie trip with George Green. Doug was the leaving Electrician and was being picked up by his brother Keith, first I saw him was in a boilersuit then five minutes later in civvies only to see him back in his boilersuit a few minutes later. This happened a couple of times until George advised me they were twins!" (Bill McLaughlin)
"Oh Dear, that's a great shock! Doug had Family down this way, and we were hoping to meet up this Year. Very sad indeed. A lovely, jovial Chap, who I always enjoyed having a chat to!" (Vince Gorny)
"I first sailed with Doug in 1975 on the Jervis Bay when I was an Engineer Cadet. I spent time working with him when he had the challenging task of teaching me electrical engineering. Always kind, always patient, always understanding of my limitations. It was my 21st birthday that trip and he made me a wooden key. Fond memories of that trip will remain always. Regards to his family and friends" (John Wilson)
"Doug sailed with me on Flinder’s first voyage we had some great late nights both in Hamburg and on board Flinders. I will make every endeavour to make Doug’s funeral. Rest in peace Doug." (Bob James)
"Such sad news about one of the nicest guys I have sailed with and then knew as superintendent and later as Mannings Marine with you, Bill. Rest in Peace, good friend Doug" (Brian Mullan)
"Another unique and irreplaceable character leaves us, but the memories he left us with will remain forever. Sleep in peace Dougie" (Tony Faulds)
"I sailed with Doug in 1970 on the Bay Boats, sorry to hear of his passing. My love and best wishes to Valerie" (Paul Warren)
"I passed this news on to my father (Terry Spragg) this morning. He would like to pass on his condolences. He said he sailed with Doug on the Moreton bay 1969/1970. He couldn't remember whether it was pre maiden voyage or at the first guarantee drydock but does remember visiting the bars in Hamburg with him after leaving the shipyard before going back to the hotel" (Roger Spragg)
"Sad news indeed. A great shipmate who I sailed with on many occasions. Will always remember he made me a 21st Birthday key on Jervis Bay voyage 21. Great memories. RIP Duggy" (Lindsay Fletcher)
Sincere condolences to Valerie, the other members of Doug's family and his friends. He will clearly be much missed.
23/06/2023