Alfred Hodson

SANFORD – Alfred H. Hodson ll, 85, of Sanford, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and brother passed away on Jan. 31, 2023. He joins his beloved wife of 59 years, Dorothy, his parents, Elmer and Helen (Renwick), his sister, Margaret (Ernest) Phelps and daughter, Mary Ann, at their lasting home in heaven.

He is lovingly remembered by his children Laura (Mark) Beauchesne, Suzanne (Michael) Binette, Heidi (Marc) L’Heureux, Alfred Hodson lll, and Rebekah Hodson; his grandchildren Abbigayle and Madeline Beauchesne, Olivia and William Binette, Hannah, Jacob, and Eliza L’Heureux, and Heather and Caroline Hodson; his brother, George (Renate) Hodson; and many nieces and nephews.

Alfred was born in White Plains, N.Y., and grew up in Mansfield, Mass. He graduated from Mansfield High School in 1954 and subsequently served two years in the U.S. Army. He attended Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., graduating with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering.

The through line in Al’s life was commitment to his work and family. When Al proposed to his future wife, he promised to be “a straight arrow.” He and Dorothy wed in 1961 and settled in Sanford where they raised their five children. True to his word, he was a reliable and devoted husband and father, his presence constant and reassuring.

He worked as an engineer at American Cyanamid Company (later Cyro). During his 30-year year career, he held various roles eventually earning the title of Manager of Corporate Engineering. Al oversaw the construction of a second Cyro facility in Osceola, Ark. and was presented with a key to their city upon completion of the project. It humbled him to know his work created meaningful employment for the people there.

Al valued self-sufficiency and was as productive at home as he was at the office. He had many purposeful hobbies including gardening, woodworking, and home improvement. He also volunteered at the Saco River Salmon Club and was a member of Maine Audubon. An avid outdoorsman, Al loved to fish and hunt with friends and shared these passions with his children, too. Vacations were often spent camping and hiking in state and national parks which instilled in them a deep love and respect for the natural world.

When the children were grown, Al and Dorothy traveled in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. He enjoyed an annual fishing trip with his son and friends. Al beamed at the weddings of his children, and he deftly danced his wife and daughters across the floor. In 2011, he and Dorothy spent a weekend in Bar Harbor, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with all their children and grandchildren, a highlight in the many happy years they enjoyed with their growing family.

In the past five years, Dorothy’s illness and his own medical issues kept him closer to home. With support and care from his children and devoted friends, he lived at home for three years after she passed away. His family is forever grateful to those who helped him spend his final years in the place where his happiest memories were made.

A celebration of life will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 23, at The Sanford Country Club, 588 Country Club Rd., in Sanford.

Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence visit http://www.blackfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations to:

Maine Audubon,

20 Gilsland Farm Rd.,

Falmouth, ME 04105

are appreciated