It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Jason John Hodder, age 49, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at home. 

Born in Burin, NL on April 27, 1976, Jason was the son of the late Joan Dora Hodder. Shortly after he was born, Jason moved with his family to Cape Breton. 

Jason is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth (MacKenzie) Hodder, along with a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law Phil (Francine Cusack) MacKenzie, sister-in-law Mary Sharlene MacKenzie and nephews David and Daniel MacKenzie. 

Jason and his wife Elizabeth first met in 1995; this is when their love story began.  They were married on July 17, 1999, and purchased their home in Howie Centre in September 2000.  He was so proud to have his own home to share with his wife. He loved to renovate their home to suit their style. Over their thirty-one years together, there was hardly a day they were apart. He always surprised her on birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions with beautiful gifts; he was a romantic at heart. He loved travelling to the United States and Mexico. He loved swimming in the ocean, and always spent his leisure time on the beach, or enjoying live music events. He loved having dinner with friends. 

Jason had a magnetic personality, and people were drawn to him. He took great pride in everything he did. He had a passion for customizing cars, body-building and fitness, and helping others in need. Jason was a WWE fan – travelling to Hogan’s Beach Shop in Florida and even received a DM from Hulk Hogan himself. 

Jason had a twenty-eight-year career with the CRA.  He was a resource and collections officer, and often acted as a mentor to other staff members, providing patience and guidance to support their careers. He made life-long friendships throughout his career, and he was very loved and respected. 

Jason appreciated people for who they were and never passed judgment on anyone. He was as kind as he was strong. He was always strong for his wife, especially when they lost their parents, family members, and some great friends over the years. Jason loved animals, especially his beautiful tabby cat Bubs who passed away in October.  

Besides his mother, Jason was predeceased by his grandparents Kenneth and Annie (Mercer) Hodder; uncles Gerald, John and Sam Hodder, who were like brothers to him; cousins Colin Hodder, Winston Hodder and Andrew Hodder; mother and father-in-law Frank and Shirley (Steele) MacKenzie. 

A visitation for Jason will be held from 5 – 8 pm, Sunday, April 19, at the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, April 20, in the Funeral Home Chapel, with Reid Moore officiating. The service will be live-stream on the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial to take place at Lakeside Cemetery at a later date.  Memorial donations may be made to your local SPCA or MADD. Online condolences can be left for the family on the tribute wall of the obituary.  

You were my best friend.  I will love you as long as I live, Jason  -   “From This Moment On”