HODGSON, William Barry ‘Sam’ (1933-2021)William was enrolled at The Geelong College as a boarder in 1948, coming from Swan Hill High School. His father Leonard has also attended the College, OGC 1919.
During his time at College, William rowed in 1st VIII crew, participated in school boxing with Leo White as boxing coach, and played in the college band. In 1951 he won the Geelong College Cup, the Open Athletic Championship, and captained the Athletics team. He was a member of Morrison House and was a House Prefect for the Warrinn boarding house. He received multiple school and house colours.
After leaving school, William went to the Gordon completed wool classing certificate, worked successfully as wool classer in his early working career then settled on the family farm at Balranald, NSW. A confident pilot, William flew around the property to operate his business. He became famous throughout his local community for his baritone singing voice. A couple of his favourite songs were How Great You Art and his signature song Some Enchanted Evening.
William was very proud to be an Old Geelong Collegian and looked forward to reading the Ad Astra, returning to functions when he could, keeping his school blazer in good condition, and stayed in contact with many of his Geelong college peers all his life.
William passed away peacefully in Balranald NSW at Bidgee Haven hostel, on Wednesday 28th July 2021 aged 88 years.
Sources: S Hodgson 20 August 2021, Pegasus, OGC 1947