Gary Hodkinson

Gary Hodkinson – On 2nd March 2025, Gary passed away aged 65 years doing what he loved – Winning at Golf in the Sunshine with his mates. The devoted and much loved husband of Laura, loving Dad of Glenn, Sophie, Emily and Jack, adored Grandad of Cari, dear brother of Jane, Sandra and David, loved Nephew of John and also a loved and loyal friend to many. Making the most of every moment Gary lived life to the full, a former employee at BAE Salmesbury for 32 years, Gary progressed all the way to Head of Operations, where he was well-respected and made lots of great friends along the way. Gary had a great passion for life, travel and golf, he was a member of both Great Harwood and Wilpshire golf clubs where he liked to celebrate with a well deserved a pint or two after a victory round. Gary was an avid Blackburn Rovers fan and happy to watch any team or any sport. Gary’s love for the sunshine was very clear, a true sun worshiper either in the garden or travelling worldwide, Gary and the love of his life Laura would often find themselves travelling to anywhere across the globe creating many fond memories. The ‘Whalley Wine Bar’ was Gary’s and Laura’s go to place where they could both enjoy a relaxing glass of wine, or two together talking about everything and planning their next adventure. Gary also participated in the Monday night Club at ‘The Swan’ in Whalley where he enjoyed having beers with friends. After many years of not agreeing to getting a dog Gary surprised Laura and brought home a new addition to their family ‘Tilly’ their ‘fur baby’, Gary went on to adore his bundle of love and treasure many strolls together. Gary was pure sunshine, kind and funny and he touched the lives of so many people through his work and far beyond. He will be fondly remembered by everybody lucky enough to have known him. Donations are being received in Gary’s memory on behalf of The British Heart Foundation. To make a donation, please click the ‘Make A Donation’ button at the bottom of this page. Please feel free to leave a message for Gary’s online memorial book by completing the form below.

Frank Nickson
Gary was my friend, work colleague and my last boss at work. Gary really looked after me giving me my last job in 2 shed. Gary also gave me my retirement, so I say thank you my dear friend for all you did for me. Condolences to Laura and all your family.

Edwin Williams
A very sad loss to all family and friends. A true gentleman and inspiration to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing or working with Gary. RIP

Harry Nickson
Bumped into Gary quite a few times in Whalley, worked with him at BAE, plenty of football at dinner time. RIP Gary, condolences to all his family.

Dave & Helen Pickering
We were put together as strangers at a whisky tasting event. We left as friends and that continued for the last eight years. Mine and Helen’s lives were richer for you and Laura being in it. Your humour, warmth and welcoming ways combined with that constant beaming smile made you the full package. You are missed, you will continue to be missed. Rest in peace mate… Our sincere condolences too.

Kevin & Cathy
Gary was a great guy and will be missed by many xx

Sue Hale
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man who I was honoured to call a friend. Thank you Gary for all the fun & laughter. You will truly be missed. My sincere condolences to Laura and all the family and sending love at this devastating time xx

Craig Holt
Gary was a true gentleman and fantastic guy to be around. He lived life to the full and will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to have known him. RIP Gary and sincere condolences to all your family ❤️

David Kay
So terribly sad, was only chatting with Gary in the Whalley Wine Bar one Sunday before he flew out to Spain. A cracking lad both inside and out, never had a bad word for anybody. Knew him at Shad and BAE Systems. Gone far too soon, but lived life to the full. RIP Gary and sincerest condolences to all his family.

Kath Hodkinson
Cheers Gary for being a great brother-in-law. Dave and I owe a lot to you. Enjoy your heavenly beer, golf, and sunshine. Love ❤️ always. Kath xx

Peter Billy Rothwell
Top man. A gentleman. I worked for Gary when I came from Chadderton, he welcomed me and he was also a top boss. He will be missed xxx

Gina and Neil Holt
We met Gary and Laura only in recent years and shared some wonderful times with them camping and at one another’s homes. He was one of the nicest men we ever had the pleasure to meet and will miss him terribly. Sending lots of love to all his family and all who knew him.

Jimmy O’Connell
Sincere condolences to all Gary’s family. A real shock to all his BAE colleagues. Rest in peace.

Sally Hupfield-Smith
I only met Gary recently when he came to invigilate for me at Longridge High School. He also did a couple of days supply and drove the minibus. He was a great guy, absolutely wonderful with the pupils (especially the challenging ones). I will miss our golf chats and the banter he had with the other invigilators. He will be sorely missed, but I’m so glad I had the pleasure of knowing him.

Pip Cocker
R.I.P Gary. Don’t forget to sign in at the pearly gates… cause St. Peter will be waiting to have 9 holes with you. Gonna miss you buddy, see you on the other side.

Tony Duckett
The words above express Gary to a tee. Everyone who met Gary knew they’d met someone who loved life. It was a privilege to know him.

Derek Almond
A lifetime friend who will be greatly missed. Rest in peace mate.

Stephen and Lisa Atkinson
Beautiful words for a lovely man. Thank you for your friendship, great stories and company over the years. A true gentleman who lived and loved life to the full. Gone far too soon. Sending love to Laura and all his family and friends at this devastating time xx

Ian Grime
I got to know Gary on a golf trip to Turkey, instantly hitting it off with him. The sun was quite important — we would walk to the beach early before golf and talk about anything and everything. A real true friend and I will personally miss him. Sending all my love to Laura and family at this sad time. R.I.P Gary ❤️

Gareth, Karin, Oakley and Hanley
We are all so lucky to have met and known Gary. We have shared some fabulous times together and great laughs. A true gentleman who will be missed and never forgotten. Sending all our love and strength to Laura and all the family xx

Catherine
A beautiful tribute to a lovely guy who will be sorely missed. Without Gary, my little cottage would not be what it is today. Thanks for all your hard work Gary, and for squeezing in all my ideas, whims and colour changes around your many golfing trips — always with laughter and a smile!!! Gone too soon, RIP Gary, sending my sincere condolences to Laura and all the family. x

Cathy & Vinnie Gates
Beautiful words for a beautiful human. Gary, we are devastated you have been taken so soon — our ray of sunshine and most of all a truly amazing friend. You showed Vinnie the way to enjoy his retirement, namely golf and Monday Night Club, and you will be missed so much. Sending all our love to Laura and the family and we will always be here for them. It’s been an honour our friend x