Whitsunday police senior sergeant Raymond ‘Ray’ Hodgson farewelled
Community members have paid tribute to a tough as nails country cop described as the ‘rock’ and ‘hero’ of his large family.
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He had a ‘tough exterior’ but Whitsunday Police Station’s first senior sergeant will be remembered for his ‘heart of gold’.
Raymond John Hodgson has been described as a ‘tough as nails’ country cop who was a ‘rock’ and ‘hero’ to his large family.
The father-of-four, grandfather of 17, and great-grandfather of 11 passed away on December 17, 2021, at age 80.
He served the community as a police officer for 33 years before retiring in 1996.
He was fondly remembered at a funeral service at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Proserpine on Friday morning.
Originally from New South Wales, senior sergeant Hodgson aspired to enter the police service from a young age, but only got his wish upon relocating to Queensland in his 20s.
As he moved up the ranks, he moved around the state, completing training at Cleveland, before working at Cairns, Atherton, Cooktown, Beaudesert, Warwick, Mundubbera, and Moranbah.
Settling in the Whitsundays in 1988, he was appointed the first senior sergeant of Whitsunday Police Station – then known as Cannonvale Police Station – in 1992.
Current Whitsunday Police Officer in Charge senior sergeant Nathan Blain acknowledged Sergeant Hodgson’s selfless service to the Queensland community and his enduring connection to the police community through the Retired Police Association.
Family members paid tribute to their “tough as nails” dad, pop, and uncle, noting his ability to “fix anything” but most of all his unwavering love for his wife Dawn and immense pride for the life and family they built together.
“Dad, you had a heart of gold”, daughter Debbie Lamb said.
“Not all could see it straight away because you had that tough exterior, but those that knew you, found it very quickly.
“Your love will last with us forever.”
Grandson Brandon Hodgson described his pop as “a bloke who just knew, knew what to do”, who had taught all his grandkids valuable life lessons.
“Pop always knew what to say – he’s got the sense of justice, he’s got the sense of what’s right, and he’ll tell you straight down the line what’s right and what’s wrong,” Brandon said.
“It was great knowing him, it really was.
“It’s sad, but also I’m quite joyful today knowing he’s had a great life – he’s made a great impact on so, so many.”
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Originally published as Whitsunday police senior sergeant Raymond ‘Ray’ Hodgson farewelled
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