Richard Archie “Dick” Dodge

February 4, 1932 - December 15, 2020

Former Sonora resident Richard Archie “Dick” Dodge, 88, of Seabrook, New Hampshire, died peacefully on December 15, 2020.

Dick was born February 4, 1932 in Los Angeles, and grew up in San Francisco where he graduated from Lowell High School. After high school, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean war, where he served four years as an electronics technician. While stationed in Seattle, Dick met his first wife Donna. After his naval service, Dick enrolled at San Francisco State University with a degree in biological sciences. He then attended the University of Arizona, where he earned his PHD in Botany in 1963.

Dick then taught science at Modesto Junior College until 1967 when he was appointed as the first dean of science and natural resources at the newly opened Columbia Junior College. He was instrumental in the opening of Columbia College, and headed up the planning committee responsible for the design, equipping, and staffing of the college’s science facility, in addition to the development of the initial science curriculum.

Dick left Columbia College in 1972 after being appointed as director of education and communications of the American Institute of Biological Sciences in Washington, D.C. It was there that he met his second wife, Sophie. Dick and Sophie later moved to Ridgecrest, California in 1977, where he served as dean of instruction at Cerro Coso Community College before retiring in 1999 and subsequently moving to New Hampshire in 2001.

Dick served on numerous science- and education-related boards, commissions, and committees throughout his career, and was a frequent speaker at various professional conferences. One of his favorite board appointments was serving on the California Water Quality Control Board for the Lahontan Region. He was also acknowledged for numerous contributions to science textbooks, journals, and newsletters.

In his spare time Dick was active in Rotary and local politics. He was a licensed pilot, and accomplished sailor, and even built a 25-ft Trimaran, which he and his family enjoyed sailing on the San Joaquin Delta.

Dick is survived by his wife, of 46 years, Sophie; daughter, Katie Messer of Orange Park, Florida; son, Rick Dodge and his wife, Stacey of Sonora; granddaughter, Rori Wylie and her husband Jordan, also of Sonora; grandsons, Kyle Dodge and fiancé, Daniele of Hollister, California; Grant Dodge and fiancé, Claire of Reno, Nevada; and First Lieutenant Michael Danko and his wife, Kaitlyn of Richmond Hill, Georgia. He is also survived by his four great grandsons, along with numerous nieces and nephews in the greater Boston area. He will be greatly missed.