Dr. Morley F. Hodder (STH ’56, STH ’63)
This obituary was originally posted by Carnell’s Funeral Home and can be found here.
Morley Francis Hodder passed away peacefully surrounded by love, on March 5, 2024 at the age of 95, after a brief illness at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital.
He is predeceased by his beloved parents Frank and Rose Hodder, his precious wife Vera, and sister Lorraine. 
He leaves behind his only brother Eric Hodder and a huge number of nieces, nephews, and beloved friends both here in Newfoundland and all over the world. He had so many people that he loved dearly. His beloved sister-in-law Ellen Mercer who called him faithfully every Sunday from New Hampshire USA and his nephew, Charles Taylor, NYC, and his many colleagues and friends from MUN and Queens College
When my dear Uncle Morley asked me to write his obituary, he asked that I keep it very very simple. No mention of his education etc. I am afraid I will just have to break that promise just a little. I was always so very proud of his academic accomplishments. At a time when it was very difficult to afford a good education, Uncle Morley attended McGill University. He returned to Newfoundland and became the United Church minister in Springdale, NL.
He then realized that he wanted to further his education. He attended Boston University and completed his Masters in theology. This was followed by a period of studying and working in Edinburgh, Scotland. He then made his decision to return to Boston and complete his PhD. He often said the work was difficult but with the support and love from Vera, he completed his doctorate studies. They then moved to Toronto where he took a position as chaplain for the University of Toronto. They remained there for several years until he received a call from Memorial University of NL. He was asked if he would consider returning to NL to help start a department of Religious Studies. He loved teaching and he loved his students. Many of those students still kept in touch. When I try to think of how to describe my uncle I think he was above all a very humble and spiritual man. He was incredibly kind and generous. He had a wonderful sense of humor.
At Morley’s request there will be a cremation, but no church service or visitation. Interment service will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery at a later date, to be announced.
Morley had requested that in lieu flowers, donations be made to The Gathering Place.
We will miss you always.