Christopher M. Hodges

Christopher Michael Hodges, 25, drowned on June 18, 2010 while swimming with his sister in the South Fork of the Trinity River near Hyampom, California His sister, Jennifer Hodges Thompson, had lived there for several years with her husband Lou Thompson, and Chris and Jen were enjoying a brief reunion. Chris was born August 22, 1984, with his very much loved twin brother, Casey, at University hospital in Seattle. Chris and Casey were inseparable for most of their lives. Chris attended Mt. Baker schools until his graduation in 2003. He loved sports but focused on basketball and cross country. He worked hard and improved his play and leadership skills and was Team Captain of the varsity basketball team his senior year. He graduated from Mt. Baker High School in 2003. In 2005, Chris married Lauren Miller and together they had a daughter, Payton Danielle Hodges, who was the light of Chris's life and his reason for living. Chris joined the U.S. Navy in 2006, and, after basic training, entered the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Charleston, South Carolina, where he served for the next two years. Upon graduation he returned to Washington state where he was currently serving in the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear Reactor Operator aboard the USS Nebraska 739. He was stationed at Bangor Submarine Base near Silverdale, Washington. He had recently advanced to Petty Officer Second Class, and been awarded several achievement awards. His career choice was definitely the right one for him and he was excited about his professional future. Chris is survived by his daughter, Payton, his twin brother Casey, and Casey's wife Miranda, and his nephew, Ira; his brother, Jason, and Jason's wife, Kira, and nieces, Bella, and Madylen; his father and mother, Chuck and Karen Hodges: numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as friends he met throughout the Navy and friends from home. Chris will be deeply missed by all of us. We relied on his humor, his building and mechanical skills, his generosity of heart, and his laughter and love. There will be a memorial for Chris and Jennifer on Sunday, September 19th, at 1:30 p.m. at the Moles Bayview Chapel on Lakeway Drive in Bellingham. All friends and families from their diverse communities are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Payton Hodges account at any WECU. You may share your thoughts and memories of Chris in the online memorial guest book at www.molesfuneralhomes.com Moles Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Bayview Chapel