Mark S. Dodd

GREENWICH The family of Mark S. Dodd, 46, of Pulp Mill Lane, Greenwich, is deeply saddened to announce his passing on Nov. 17, 2007, at Saratoga Hospital, following complications from pneumonia. Born Jan. 3, 1961, he was the son of Dorothy (Albro) Dodd and the late Wallace W. Dodd. A 1980 graduate of Schuylerville High School, Mark is remembered as a friend to all, having a gentle nature and comedic wit. He enjoyed singing in the chorus, participating in FFA and lending his imposing size and strength to the varsity football team. He excelled in technology, where he discovered his talents for woodworking and light construction. Following high school, Mark operated his family's dairy farm in Quaker Springs before turning his interests to carpentry. He became a skilled kitchen and bath designer and installer. He was the proprietor of Royal Kitchens and Bath and Olde Saratoga Kitchens and Bath. Mark was a former volunteer fireman with the Quaker Springs Fire Department. He was also a member of the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church. A native of history-rich Saratoga County, Mark had a keen interest in Revolutionary War history. He was an avid reader of historical books and enjoyed researching Revolutionary War military tactics. He became a Revolutionary War living history re-enactor. As commanding officer of His Majesty's 21st Regiment of Foot Royal North British Fusiliers, Grenadier Company, Lt. Dodd portrayed the campaign life of a British soldier. He participated in 18th-century military encampments, battles, camp interpretations and living history educational events. Mark sewed his own museum-quality regimental waistcoat, bearskin Grenadier hat, breeches, camp frocks, ruc sacks and leather goods. He was an innovative craftsman with diverse talents in embroidery, tin and leather works and wood carving. Mark was most content when constructing reproduction 18th-century encampment furnishings, such as lanterns, lap desks, camp tables, benches, rope beds and tents for British encampments. Mark was well-known by his fellow re-enactors for his 18th-century cooking skills and his generosity in sharing meals with encampment re-enactors. Mark was recognized for his contributions to the Volunteers-In-Parks program and the mission of the National Park Service and was the recipient of the Steward of Learning Award from the Saratoga National Historical Park. The greatest gift in Mark's life was his beloved 14-year-old son, Zachary Dodd of Scotia. From the moment he was born, Zachary was Mark's pride and joy. Mark's life revolved around sharing his love of history, fascination with the Revolutionary War and the importance of family with Zachary. Zachary became a member of the 21st Regiment of Foot as a drummer. Together, they traveled throughout New England to historic sites and visited museums. Their favorite sites were the Saratoga National Historical Park, Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Stanwix, Mount Independence, Hubbardton Battlefield and Johnson Hall. Mark's most cherished days were spent with Zachary on the historic battlegrounds of the Champlain, Mohawk and Hudson valleys. Mark is remembered for his hearty laugh, sense of humor and storytelling. He was always optimistic and could find a positive aspect in any situation. Family and friends attest to his compassion for others and love for his family. He enjoyed cooking, especially the family Thanksgiving dinner, John Wayne movies, WWII military books and movies, the History Channel and historical documentaries, pencil sketching, farm shows, county fairs and spending time with Zachary. Predeceased by his father, Wallace W. Dodd, and his brother, Charles "Chip" Dodd, Mark is survived by his loving mother, Dorothy Dodd; his son, Zachary; his sister, Donna Dodd-Thomas, her husband, Cliff, and their children: Blake, Schuyler and Mikaela; his brother, David Dodd and his wife, Virginia, and their children, Karen and Scott; and sister-in-law Bonnie (Dodd) Greenfeld and her children: Christopher, Nathan and Shelby. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial and worship service on Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Schuylerville United Methodist Church, Church Street, Schuylerville with the Rev. Bonnie Bates officiating. Family and friends will be received at 10 a.m. with the memorial service commencing at 11 a.m. A fellowship luncheon will follow in celebration of Mark's life. An 18th-century burial will take place at Fairmount Cemetery in Quaker Springs in the spring following an encampment at the Saratoga National Historical Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Flynn Bros., Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville. If you wish to remember Mark, please consider a contribution to the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church, Route 32 South, Schuylerville, NY 12871. The family would be grateful. Online remembrances can be sent to www.flynnbrosinc.com