Clement I. Dodd

Clement Dodd of Windham died at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House following a brief battle with cancer on August 15, 2013.

Clem graduated from Portland High School and the University of Southern Maine. He enjoyed playing sports when he was young, later attending his sons' sporting events, and then all of his grandchildren's sporting events that he could.

Clem served on the Portland Police Force for 23 years, rising from patrolman to Captain of Detectives by retirement. During his police career, he received several rewards for heroism, one after a gunfight, and one after negotiating with a man and then saving his hostage. Two days after retiring from the police force, Clem obtained a coveted position as the Secret Service supervisory officer of the Bush detail in Kennebunkport. During that 18 plus year stage of his career, Clem traveled abroad with President George H.W. Bush, to Russia along with Hillary Clinton, and as a highlight in his life, he attended the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor with President Bush.

Clem was formerly married to Patricia Dodd and was a proud father of his four sons, Stephen of Biddeford; Tim and his wife Lita of South Portland and their children Timothy “T.J.” and Kimberly; Tom and his wife Janet of North Swanzey, NH and their children Hannah, Cassie, Katie and Mathew; and Clem of South Portland. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Jean Atherton of Windham, a brother Ray of South Portland, and his stepmother Geri Dodd of Westbrook.

Clem was a great fan of the Portland Seadogs, holding season tickets for 18 years, regularly inviting a grandchild or relative to attend with Jean and him. Clem sometimes traveled to Boston to watch those Seadogs players who moved up to the Red Sox team. He enjoyed sports on television and was a vocal fan while watching his beloved Red Sox and Patriots teams. Clem had strong political beliefs, being a staunch Republican who followed politics closely.

Clem and Jean bought a home on Little Sebago Lake. One of Clem's greatest pleasures was sitting out by the water watching the lake, or reading. He spent many hours raking out the lake to create a spotless swimming area for all the children in his life. He often entertained 20-25 family members on weekend afternoons. Clem was known as “Bim” to his 18 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, and is fondly remembered as a grandfather who was proud of his young family members, playing with them and sharing special birthdays and holidays with joy. Memories of his sense of humor and funny birthday cards will continue to bring smiles to many in the family. Clem's presence with us will be dearly missed.

A period of visitation for Clem will be held this Wednesday, August 21st from 4 to 7 PM at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland; where funeral service for Clem will be held on Thursday the 22nd at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Arlington Cemetery in Windham.

The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff of MMC as well as the staff at the Gosnell House for the excellent care they gave Clem. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital of Maine Medical Center at www.bbch.org.

Care for Clem and his family has been entrusted to the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home of Portland.