Frank Hodson (1921 - 2002), from The Palaeontological Association, Newsletter 52, 2003.

Frank Hodson, palaeontologist and biostratigrapher, Professor of Geology at Southampton University 1958-1981, was one of the more colourful and noteworthy of the Founder Members of the Palaeontological Association.  His early career in geology was meteoric; he was appointed to the Geology Department of Reading University under Professor H.L. Hawkins while still working for his first degree of London University, as an external student. Two years later he was awarded a PhD of Reading. lt was only nine years after graduating that he was appointed to the first Chair of Geology in Southampton University, and so to the department headship.
      
Frank, or "Prof.' as he was affectionately known to his students and staff, was born in Burnley,and went to Burnley Grammar School.  Leaving there at 16 with School Certificate, he worked first as Colliery Clerk of Reedley Colliery, Burnley, and then as Works Chemist at the Lancashire Foundry Coke Company.  While in that post he had his first experience in teaching, giving evening classes at Burnley Municipal College.  He was already showing his characteristic versatility in having been quoted as saying "You name it, l'll teach it'.  By 1943 he had been elected to the Geological Society and published his first paper on marine bands in the Millstone Grit.  This was a pointer of things to come, for his major research contribution lay in a lifelong commitment to goniatites and their use in Carboniferous biostratigraphy.
      
On his appointment to the first Chair of Geology in Southampton University, he turned his boundless energy and enthusiasm to building and expanding the scope of teaching and particularly research in the department.  One of his most cherished achievements was the move of the Geology Department to a new building and the creation of a geological museum (designed by Sir Basil Spence) in the University, which became as much admired for its imaginative architecture as for its contents. It is typical of the fickle nature of universities' commitments that after his retirement, the museum was demolished, despite his valiant attempt to have it given listed status.  His personal research interests developed over twenty years into the history of geology, geochemistry, clay mineralogy, and local Tertiary strata, in addition to archaeology and local history.  Music and rare books from his personal library provided relaxation.
      
It was an expression of Frank Hodson's independent nature that he scorned the affectation of the 'field gear' that was becoming popular with geology students in the 50s and 60s, of anorak, mountaineering boots and rucksack with pendant hammer and chisels.  He liked to set out for field work "as though he was going out to buy a stamp" as he put it, and thus attired (and offen carrying an umbrella) he carried out his field work on the coast of Clare, documenting the goniatites to establish the correlation of the Irish succession with the Namurian of England and the Continent. A Reading colleague, Jimmy Landa, once commented wryly that on one occasion (with justieable apprehension) he had accompanied Frank "wearing carpet slippers" up the Cliffs of Moher. A former student recalls going from outcrop to outcrop with the Professor singing extracts from the Messiah.

Frank was a great raconteur -- always an entertaining after-dinner speaker at Pal. Ass. annual meetings, bot equally in more impromptu settings.  The same talent was recognised in more formal terms by his appointment as Public Orator for the University. One of his favourite themes was the founding of the Palaeontological Association, of which he liked to say "it was born in a taxi". As a founder member he played a central  role with R.G..S. Hudson and others in getting the Palaeontological Association off the ground in 1957, and he served for several years as Honorary Secretary of the fledgling society.  The Hodson Fund of the Association is an ongoing legacy.
     
As head of department at Southampton from 1958--1981, Professor Frank Hodson divided his time between a deep commitment and loyalty to his students and playing a significant role in University affairs and beyond.  He was twice Dean Of Science, and was President of Section C of the British Association in 1975.  Through his many activities he always found time to talk, not only to students and staff in his department but to administrative, technical and academic staff across the departments of the University, as well as to numerous visitors.  His diverse interests and knowledge across the arts as well as the sciences, and of politics, economics, law, sport and music, equipped him to participate in a wide range of debate.  He led a very full, active and successful life doing things in his own particular style, with charisma and panache. Many have benefited from his generous personality, his shared academic ability and his friendship.  All those qualities will continue to be appreciated -- and missed -- by members of the Palaeontologial Association, his friends, colleagues and former students.  He is survived by his wife and their three daughters.
     
   Ronald Austin, 21 Bellevue Road, West Cross, Swansea SA3 5QB
   Bill Chaloner, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 OEX