​Wally Hodgins, formerly of Kincardine, dies at the age of 74

Walter Thomas “Wally” Hodgins, formerly of Kincardine, died Saturday, April 5, 2025, with family by his side, at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, at the age of 74.

Born Feb. 8, 1951, at Kincardine Hospital, he was the beloved son of the late Frances Edward Hodgins (1990) and Ella Grace Hutchings (2000).

Remembered by his siblings, Velma Young (George), Shiela Porter (Brian Money), Ernest Hodgins (Wendy), Bryan Hodgins (Lynda), Kathy George (Tony Samsair), Dennis Hodgins (Molly), Kenneth Hodgins (Andrea), Sandra Reid (Kevin), and Deborah Goulding (Robert); as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Predeceased by his sister, Grace Cannell (1999).

As a young boy and being the first-born son, Wally was the apple of his father's eye. He attended S.S. No. 1 Kinloss Public School and then S.S. No. 5 School on the 5th Concession of Kincardine Township. He further attended Walkerton High School in the vocational program.

His first car was a dark blue 1966 Comet. He then had two blue 1963 Mercury Meteors. Those cars didn't have much life as they were rust-buckets. Dad and the "boys" took the motor from one of them and put it in a 1965 Mustang, and Wally drove the Mustang for a long time.

Wally always worked, and worked hard, earning a lot of respect from his co-workers and employers over the years.

It didn't take long for him to purchase his first of several brand new vehicles, starting with a Ford F150, then another new F150, followed by a new Thunderbird and a Kia.

Wally married Marilyn Harrington in 1978 and although, a short marriage, they went to Florida several times for winter holidays. He continued his Florida winter holidays for many years, and always said his favourite area was "alligator alley," giving him the nickname, "Wally-gator."

He was always very generous to his friends and neighbours by cleaning their driveways and taking them food. He gave his mother her first and only diamond ring

Wally enjoyed his breakfasts at the Fireside Deli and Family Restaurant where he kept in touch with his cousin, Kim. He also enjoyed his coffee at Tim Hortons.

He led a full life on his own terms. He travelled when he wanted and lived in different mobile parks over the years. He spent the later years of his life working for Dyna-Co Construction Ltd., where he was extremely fond of his work family members, and they were very fond of him. He had a good sense of humour and took very little in life seriously.

Wally will be missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Kincardine, Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 12-1 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 1:30 p.m., with Crystal Morais officiating.

Interment, Kincardine Cemetery.

Memorial donations to the Kincardine Food Bank would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.