William B. Dodge

Born March 2, 1929, died peacefully on Sunday April 10, 2016. He was a life-long resident of Arlington County, VA. Most recently he was a resident of Arden Courts Memory Care Community of Annandale, VA. Bill is survived by three sons, Billy (wife Trish), Stephen, and David, three daughters, Susan, Priscilla, and Merrie Beth (husband Conrad), 3 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, a brother John (wife Priscilla), and 2 sisters, Mary Lou, and Martha Ann (husband Ervin). He was predeceased by his beloved life partner of 32 years, Madeline Ehrman.

Bill was a graduate of Washington-Lee High School (Arlington, VA) and attended George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) where he studied mechanical engineering. He spent most of his career (31 years) as a small craft (boat) mechanical engineer for the U.S. Coast Guard (civilian), retiring in 1989. Bill was an excellent woodworker and craftsman who built 3 sailboats, a canoe, and 3 kayaks. In his youth he and his brother learned to sail as members of Sea Scout Boat #322. When his sons were in the Boy Scouts (Troop #409) he served as an Assistant Scout Master who planned dozens of backpacking, hiking, and bicycling trips as well as various other activities. As a member of the Potomac Pedalers he planned and led numerous bicycling trips and logged more than 20,000 miles on his bicycle. Into his mid- to late-70s he led and participated in kayaking trips on the Potomac River as a member of the Chesapeake Paddlers Association.

Relatives and friends are invited to a family visitation at Murphy-Arlington Funeral Home on Friday, April 15 beginning at 10:00 am, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am, and reception. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Alzheimer Association (alz.org) and/or the Alzheimer Foundation of America (alzfdhn.org).