Harry Hodges Dickson

Harry Hodges Dickson, age 96, passed away March 4, 2017. Harry was born in Philadelphia, PA to George Lewis Dickson and Alma Louise Hodges. Harry's namesake was his grandfather, General Harry Hodges. General Hodges was responsible for much of the design and building of the Panama Canal. In 1938, Harry graduated from Taft School. After school, he attended UCLA and UC Davis where he received a Master's degree in Horticulture. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1942 and served during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. After 30 years, he achieved the rank of colonel and was Vice-Commander of Minot Air Force Base. Harry married Majorie Mussellwhite in April 1944. After retiring from the military, he and his family returned to Albuquerque, where Harry became a plant manager at GTE Lenkurt. Harry retired for a second time after 12 years with Lenkurt. On January 1985, Harry married Elaine Donnelly. They operated a Bed and Breakfast for 17 years on Cape Cod. After retiring for a third time, Harry and Elaine returned to Albuquerque. Harry and Elaine shared 32 loving years together. All who knew them believed they were true soulmates. Harry never slowed down until the last months of his life. He loved traveling in the US and abroad, gardening, and cooking gourmet meals. But most of all he loved spending time with his family and 16 great grandchildren. Harry touched many in his life with his eternal optimism and generosity. He was a true Patriarch in every sense of the word. He will be missed by his family and friends but never forgotten. Harry is preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Marie Turanski. Harry is survived by his wife, Elaine and her children, Bill, Laura, Jack, and Carolyn; his daughter, Antionette (Robert) Smith and son, Harry Hodges Dickson Jr of Albuquerque; daughter, Catherine Ann (Philip) Reid of Chandler, AZ; and grandchildren, Tracy (Brett) Anderson of CA, Duncan (Tara) Smith of IN, Dmitri (Elizabeth) Calvert (Taos), and Sonja (Victor) Flores of OR; Danielle (Andrew) Dooley of Albuquerque, Aaron Reid, Jonathan Reid and fiancé, Ashley Estes of CA, Jacob Turanski of MI and Rachel Turanski of PA; and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral Service will be held Friday, March 10, 2017, 10:00 a.m. at The Cathedral of St. John, 318 Silver Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd NE.