GLOUCESTER - Kenneth Broughton Hodgkins, 78, husband of Nancy L. (Upson) Hodgkins, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2009 with his wife and his children by his side at Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following an extended illness.
Ken was born in Gloucester on March 17, 1930, son of the late Pierce N. and Dorothy E. (Brown) Hodgkins. He was educated in Gloucester public schools and Georgia Military Academy, graduating from Gloucester High School in 1948. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Germany during the Korean War.
Ken's employment was varied and colorful ranging from working at the former Cape Ann Tool Company, car sales for P.N. Hodgkins Auto, security alarm sales, diving for the original Cape Ann Divers, and owner of the former Annisquam Market and Marina to Northeast Sales Manager for Gloucester Engineering. Ken was a builder, high-end carpenter, the guardian of many summer homes, and conducted seasonal placement of neighborhood floats.
Kenny's hobbies and talents included antique car restoration, building ship models, home landscaping, espaliering fruit trees, and tending to the family koi pond with its exotic waterlilies and lotus. He belonged to the Annisquam Yacht Club, the Leonard Club, The Tyrian-Ashler-Acacia Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Gloucester, the Gloucester Lodge of Elks No. 892, the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, and the North Shore Old Car Club.
Ken loved creating adventures. He and his wife traveled throughout Southeast Asia, the Amazon, Machu Picchu, Europe and Alaska. His last major trip was to Antarctica, where he dressed as a penguin to mingle amongst the others. This trip lead to his infamous appearance as "Kenguin" on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and George Clooney!
In addition to his wife of thirty-five years, Ken is survived by his daughter, Alison Lee Hodgkins and her companion, Stephen Morse, his son, Erik Pierce Hodgkins and his wife, Patricia, two grandchildren, Michael John Hodgkins and Kristina Lee Hodgkins and his cousin Judith Bannon and her husband, Walter. Ken was also predeceased by his brother, Stanley V. Hodgkins.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visiting hours will be on Friday, March 13 from 4-7 PM at Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester. A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 11:00 AM, at the Annisquam Village Church, 820 Washington Street, Annisquam, MA 01930. Memorial donations may be made in Ken's name to: "The Senior Adult Unit", c/o Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.