Well known musician, former educator and medical laboratory technologist, Joseph N. Hodge of The Farrington, celebrated his 80th birthday over the weekend, surrounded by family, friends and well-wishers.
The event on Saturday afternoon, February 13th, 2016 was punctuated with musical renditions by Dumpa and Perry, Keith and Kingsley, Amelia and Margaret and the Martin family as well as the birthday celebrant himself.
The homily was delivered by the Rt. Rev. L. Errol Brooks, Bishop of the North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba, with blessings by Rev. Menes Hodge and Canon Samuel Knight. Also in attendance was retired Anglican Minister Rev. Richard Fahie.
In his response, Mr. Joseph Hodge paid tribute to the members of the Gold Tones – a musical group which he founded and directed in the early 80s – and the St. Mary’s Choir, as well as departed members including his wife, head teacher and lay reader Donice Hodge, whom he said had made a valuable contribution to his music ministry over the years.
For many years he served as one of the organists at the St. Mary’s Church.
Mr. Hodge was instrumental in the formation and development of the medical laboratory and X-ray services at the then Cottage Hospital, and some members of the aforementioned departments at the now Princess Alexandra Hospital also joined in the celebrations on Saturday.
He wishes to thank all those who made the event a memorable one, in particular his daughter and sons and their extended families.
