Phil Hodgson, who retired from a 64-year career in the transport industry during late 2024 having most recently served as South of England Area Sales Manager for Pelican Bus and Coach, died on 13 April. He was 80.
Highly respected by both his customer base for the Yutong brand and colleagues within Pelican and the manufacturer, Mr Hodgson opened his career in 1960 as an apprentice with bus operator Hants and Dorset in Southampton before moving into a successful spell in the HGV engineering sector.
He later brought the BMC brand to the UK, a move that set him into contact with Pelican Managing Director Richard Crump and ultimately played a major part in Pelican becoming agent for Yutong vehicles here. During that time he sold the first battery-electric coach for a UK buyer.
Shortly after Mr Hodgson’s retirement in 2024, Mr Crump noted how he was viewed as more of a friend than a business colleague by his customers. A number of those clients have already paid tribute to Mr Hodgson.
Speaking soon after Mr Hodgson’s passing, Mr Crump says: “Phil was an amazing person who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was a true gentleman, honest, thoughtful, kind and generous with a most graceful outward manner, always replying with his trademark ‘never better’ when asked how he was.
“At Pelican and beyond, he will be hugely missed every day by everybody who ever came into contact with him. He would see the best in everyone and would always help and encourage younger, less experienced colleagues.
“He was a true friend to me and so many other people, and his loss leaves a huge gap in our lives.
“On behalf of everyone at Pelican, our thoughts are with his wife Diane, his daughters Leanne and Philippa, and the rest of his family and friends. Phil, you will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”
