Bruce James Hodgson

With broken hearts, we regret to announce the passing of Bruce James Hodgson on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born June 26, 1963, in Toronto, he was the son of Shirley (Ramsay) Hodgson and the late James “Luke” Hodgson. A tremendously talented musician, Bruce loved jamming and sharing his music with family and friends. Whether it was a fiddle, piano, mandolin or guitar, Bruce’s appreciation of music was endless. Echoes of his love of music continue through younger members of his family, to whom he taught various instruments and a multitude of favourite songs. There always seemed to be a guitar in Bruce’s hands, and he was fond of reminding anyone who would listen that it doesn’t matter how fancy your guitar is – it’s the player that makes the music. Bruce’s love of gardening and fishing started as a young boy, spending time with his dad “out the country.” Bruce also had a love of hockey – both playing and watching and loved anything with a motor. He could be often found outside tinkering with motorbikes, tractors, lawnmowers or anything else that moved. Professionally, Bruce worked as the primary crusher operator for Kelly Rock. Bruce was a jack-of-all-trades, master of none, and one of the biggest procrastinators we all knew. He was a wonderful, talented, unique man, and he was so loved. He lived a life full of joy and happiness and took pleasure in sharing that happiness with his loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife, Tonya (MacDonald); stepdaughter, Kayla (Brydyn) Ongo; papa’s boy, Jason; stepsons, Jordan Ongo and Cory MacDonald; granddaughter, Kenley Mae, papa’s special little girl; sisters, Karen (Jean) Dubé and Brenda Hodgson; brother, Harvey (Barbara); father and mother-in-law, Paul and Eleanor MacDonald; sisters-in-law, Juanita MacDonald (Heather), Kelly MacDonald (Johnny); brother-in-law, Trent MacDonald (Donna); nieces and nephews, Chantal, Luke, Zach and Amelia. Bruce will also be missed by many aunts, uncles and cousins, especially his uncle Earl, with whom he shared a special bond. Besides his father, Bruce was predeceased by his life-long friend, Mark MacDonald. The family would like to thank Dr. Carmen Giacomantonio (VG Hospital, Halifax), Dr. Glen Worth, Dr. Wissiam Saliba and the staff of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, the staff and management of unit 4B and everyone at unit 4E Palliative Care (An Cala) of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. The care and compassion you provided to Bruce gave us precious extended time with him and gave us great comfort in his final days. We will be forever grateful. Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Monday, April 15 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral service will be held in St. Theresa’s Church on Tuesday, April 16 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Dennis Lamey officiating. Interment will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre. Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail [email protected].