Board Member
Robert (Bob Jr.) Hodder was born on December 10, 1950, in Vancouver, Canada. In 1954, his family moved to Richmond, where he continues to reside to this day. His maritime journey commenced at the tender age of nine when he first accompanied his father on tugboats. Throughout his teenage years, Bob spent his summers working alongside his father in the tugboat industry.
In 1968, Bob graduated from Steveston High School, where he met his future wife. Although he aspired to become a Chartered Accountant, his father’s wishes led him to forgo university education and instead continue working on tugs. In 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, and together they raised two children, Erin and Karen, who blessed them with two grandchildren, Ama and Thea.
Bob’s first full-time job was with Hodder Tug, working on the Ossian A alongside his great-uncle Horatio (HN) and grandfather Bob (JR). He also gained experience on vessels such as the “Quinsam II”, “Eldoma”, “Kenmac”, and later, “Celtic” with his Uncle Blair Hodder. In 1972, Bob transitioned into a dispatcher role and worked closely with his father until his passing in 1998.
Throughout the years, Bob witnessed his father’s endeavors in the tugboat business, which included the construction and acquisition of numerous vessels and a sawmill in the north that tragically burned down before its operation commenced. Bob cherished the bond he shared with his father, both as a parent and a friend, which extended to their shared love for golf and their time together during his Little League days. His admiration for his father was evident in his assertion that “My dad forgot more than most would ever know about the tugboat business.”
Bob’s mother, too, played an indispensable role in his life, gracefully managing the household while his father navigated the demanding schedule of running the business and working on the tugs. She held a special place in the hearts of her grandchildren, who adored her deeply.
In 2001, Bob and his brother sold Hodder Tug to Ian Wright and Ben Wendland. They remained with the company, working in the office for several years before retiring and serving as members of the Board of Advisors. Following his retirement from the tugboat industry, Bob ventured into land development at the behest of a friend. For a decade, he was involved in the construction of townhouses, homes, and condos, eventually moving into the final project in Steveston in 2017.
