Airport:---A large number of employees, relatives, staff of other companies operating at the Princess Juliana airport and the princess Juliana airport department were out in their numbers to bid farewell to the late Alexander Hodge. A number of senior employees headed by the company's Managing Director hailed the service and performance of the young man better known as Alexander as being extraordinary. Alexander died because of a freak car accident early Sunday morning.In recognizing his contributions to the airline, the company's Chief Pilot Jeff Oliver and First Officer Ricardo Wilson flew his body around the Island. They also flew the body in a low past over the runway of the Juliana International airport. The airline dubbed the flight as a memorial one saw several persons' being emotional over the somber event.
As the body in the casket was taken to the Winair flight, several persons were seen weeping. The body of the young pilot was placed into his favorite aircraft the PJ-WIR as it lifted off the runway for what was dubbed as his last flight. The company's MD Edwin Hodge said that he was very impressed and moved with Alexander's very high professionalism, simplicity, and easy going attitude to passengers and his colleagues. "He understood his role very well and demonstrated his ability in getting things done and for that he will be sorely missed by all," the Manager Director said.
Chief Pilot at Winair, Jeff Oliver who was evidently very emotional described the loss as one that will be greatly felt by all within the company. He said that the potential and ability that young Hodge posses was very significant noting that "he was really talented and gifted for his age.
"It's evident that we will miss him as while the company posses several pilots we were certain that he was prepared to remain a very long time with this company as he was local. You know the pilots from overseas you know that someday they will return after they would have competed their task with us but Alexander was one who we knew had the ability to rise within the company to very great heights," he said.
The company's Human Resource Director, Marina Larmonie said that she is still shocked and in a state of disbelief with the news. She said that it was only a few days prior to the incident that she dealt with matters regarding Alexander. "I had dealt with some matters only a few days ago and now to hear that he is dead is a big shock to me and I am sure many others. He was a very simple easy going individual who just went about his business doing what was expected of him," she said.Meanwhile,Winair's Managing Director Edwin Hodge added that losing someone as talented and gifted as Hodge is very painful considering the value that he poses to the company and the island and the investment that was made thus far in him. "We are all asking ourselves why this has happen but in life we are aware that things happen without us understanding why, only God knows why. The pilots are remaining strong as they know that Alexander would have wanted us to continue with our lives."
The Managing Director declared that those who were fortunate to have met Alexander would be able to cherish the fond and unforgettable moments and impact that his life made upon them. "Rest in peace Alexander you will always be with us."
Alexander Hodge will be laid to rest on Saturday in what many expect to be a moving service.
We salute you Alexander.
