A PROUD former coastguard and serviceman known affectionately as "sir" was laid to rest today.

Brian Hodson served as station officer at Swansea Coastguard, at Bracelet Bay, from 1982 to 1994.

The 12-year stint capped off a distinguished career in the Royal Navy before a switch to HM Coastguard.

His daughter, Kerry Pass, said family meant everything to him.

"His biggest thing was his family," she said, adding: "He was a very proud man. When he was stationed here everyone knew him as 'sir'.

"He had a cheeky character to him as well. Lots and lots of people will miss him." Mr Hodson, who died suddenly on January 10, aged 75, was born in Cambridgeshire and joined the Royal Navy aged 17.

Much of his career was spent in the Fleet Air Arm where he was known as Soapy Hodson, after the Hudson's soap brand. He served for many years on aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, and also aboard HMS Eagle, rising to the rank of chief petty officer.

He married his wife Jean in 1954, and the couple had four children — Andrew, Kerry, Tracy and David.

In 1974, Mr Hodson left the Navy and joined HM Coastguard, and was credited with saving many lives at Prawle Point in Devon, before moving to Porthleven in Cornwall, where Jean served as an auxiliary coastguard.

Leave your Lasting Tribute to Brian Hodson

Mr Hodson knew members of the Penlee lifeboat who perished in the terrible tragedy of 1981, and would regularly represent HM Coastguard at the Cenotaph, in London.

From 1982 onwards he and Jean, who survives him, lived at Springfield Avenue, Upper Killay. Mr Hodson was a grandfather of 11, and greatgrandfather of five.

This morning's service at St Hilary's Church and burial at Oystermouth Cemetery was being followed by refreshments at Garden Village Football Club.

Swansea Coastguard watch assistant Steve Yates said: "He was a really nice guy — a proper gentleman."

richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk