It is with heavy hearts that the family of Thomas “Ryan” Hodgkinson announce his passing on Saturday, December 10th, 2022 at the age of 41. Ryan was an extraordinary, joyful soul who had a kindred spirit and compassion for all. Ryan was born with Down Syndrome to his parents Thomas (Tom) & Patricia (Patty MacDonald), on April 9, 1981. He had a huge heart full of love for his family, his parents, his sisters, Heidi Hodgkinson & Laura Watson (nee Welling), his brother, Alexander Welling; and his bonus parent, Gordon Welling. He had a playful, fun loving spirit, especially with children. This included his precious nieces, Amelia and Elizabeth Watson.
He was born in Edmonton and raised in St. Albert. He started his special needs education at the age of 2 1/2 at the Mayfield Early Intervention program. While in St. Albert he attended Vital Grandin & Albert Lacombe Schools before graduating from Austin O’Brien High School in Edmonton in 2001. While growing up, Ryan developed an immense passion for the United States, earning him the nicknames of Mr. USA, America & Boston, just to name a few. His Mom often referred to him as the Canadian traitor while his Dad always joked he should be deported. Ryan took part in many activities throughout his life including swimming & bowling (Special Olympics). He volunteered for many years with the Edmonton Food Bank. He loved watching sports, including hockey, NFL football, and WWE.
He is lovingly remembered by his immediate family and large extended family of aunts, uncles & cousins in Nova Scotia, Ontario and Alberta. Ryan was predeceased by his grandparents Harry & Edna Hodgkinson, Kenneth & Diane (Farrell) MacDonald, all of Saint John, New Brunswick and Maurice and Lucy (Cormier) Lemieux of Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia.
A Celebration of Life for Ryan will be held on January 7th, 2023, at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 271 on 6 Tache Street, St. Albert @ 11 am. Indoor BBQ to follow. In honour of Ryan, his family requests that attendees at his Celebration of Life wear a hockey or football jersey, preferably from a U.S. team.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Ryan to Special Olympics (bowling) All Star 1 and sent to Attn: Martin, Bonnie Doon Lanes 8330 82nd Ave, Edmonton AB, T6C 4E3.
