Fredric Hodgson fell in love with Wainui in 1970, kept returning

Rick Hodgson. Picture supplied

American surfer Fredric Hodgson, known to many in the surfing fraternity in Gisborne as Rick Hodgson, passed away earlier this year in Malibu, California at the age of 73.

He spent many summers of his life at Wainui Beach.

An obituary in the Malibu Times this month says he was born in Hollywood, California and spent his childhood surfing at Topanga Beach, where he developed a deep love and appreciation for the ocean.

He moved to Topanga Beach with his dog, an Engish Springer spaniel named Digby, “becoming a treasured local and a part of the Topanga crew”.

In 1974 Rick graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in design, and was named to the Dean’s Honour List. His passion for architecture, photography, art and innovation influence every aspect of his life, the obituary noted.

In 1970 he visited New Zealand for the first time and fell in love with Wainui Beach. Until  2020, for half the year, he would call Wainui home.

In 1983 he moved to Point Deume, and in the late 1980s, found his third home in Baja, California.

“He left his distinctive, creative mark on every project he worked on, always incorporating one of his favourite architectural designs — the pyramid.

“Rick spent more than half of his life in endless summer, having not seen a winter for over 45 years.

“He will always be remembered for his love of the ocean, his passion for surfing, his creativity, and his endless enthusiasm for life and those he loved.”

Rick is survived by his daugher Skye Morse-Hodgson, a sister and two nephews.

“He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his love of life will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him,” the obituary ends.

For memorial details please email: rickhodgsonmemorial@gmail.com