VIRGIL ROY DODGE

1932 - 2015

Virgil Roy Dodge answered his Master's appointed call and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 15 2015, surrounded by his loving family.

Virgil was born December 16, 1932 in Mount Vernon, WA to Herb and Alice Dodge. Virgil grew up on Bow Hill and attended the local schools where he participated in football, tennis and FFA.

He was drafted into the Army January of 1953 and trained at Fort Lewis for combat engineering; sent to Korea on the 38th parallel, also known as the "Punch Bowl"; the cease fire was declared and he was honorably discharged in December 1954.

In January 1955 he started his Brick Masonry Apprenticeship and job training in Skagit County where he continued to live and work. He worked 26 years at Intalco Aluminum Corporation, retiring in 1996. In January 2005 he was awarded his 50 year pin and a lifelong continued membership in the International Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers Union, a total of 60+ years.

In 1959 he married his dream come true Thelma June Conrad of Stanwood WA, together having two children Benny and Bonny. Virgil also had a daughter Tammy from a previous marriage. They bought their first home in Mount Vernon, WA and eventually were able to purchase a home on Bow Hill, across the street from where Virgil grew up and have been there since.

Virgil's beloved wife and family were a very important part of his life. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren so very much. He felt blessed as he watched them all grow. In addition, he truly enjoyed all the Holidays, Family Reunions, BBQ's and friends coming to the family home on Bow Hill. He was always so proud to show the patio and awesome BBQ he had built, which welcomed so many friends and family over the years. He was always ready for a "cup of coffee" and a good visit.

He enjoyed hunting, trapping, camping, hiking and fishing throughout Washington and Canada with family and friends.

Virgil and Thelma and several other couples started the Skagit Rock and Gem Club in the early 1960'S, enjoying rock hounding, mining, and making jewelry.

Virgil and Thelma attended His Place Church in Burlington, WA., where Virgil was baptized a very special moment in his life. Once again confirming to his friends, family and to the world, his faith in Jesus.

Virgil is survived by his loving wife Thelma of 56 wonderful years at the family home on Bow Hill.

Children: Tammy Coffell, Burlington, WA; Ben Dodge, Mt. Vernon, WA; Bonny (Chuck) Storrs, Bow, WA;

Grandchildren: Joshua (Crystal) Gunderson, Meridian, ID; Jessica (Mike) Houser, Rockport, WA; Alyssa Storrs, Marysville, WA; Janey Dodge, Mt Vernon, WA; Adam Dodge, Bellingham, WA; Levi Dodge, Mt Vernon, WA; Lyn (Josh) Anderson, Burlington, WA; Brandy (Dave) Bowen, Maryville, TN; Nate Coffell, Burlington, WA.

Great-grandchildren: Alexis and David Houser, Rockport, WA; Kaylie and Keaton Anderson, Mt Vernon, WA; Connor and Emily Bowen, Maryville, TN and numerous cousins and extended nieces and nephews, who all called him grandpa.

Virgil will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life memorial potluck for Virgil will be held at the family home 17039 Colony Road, Bow, WA 98232, Saturday May 30th from noon to 4 pm for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to your favorite charity.