A long lost cousin, I was sad to hear of Gene's passing. I loved reading all the 'beautiful, loving comments here).I remember the fun our family's had together when The Dodd's lived on Prunedale Road, Salinas.  What a thrill when Gene took me for a ride on his motorcycle.  I was scared and he laughed....and told me everything would be fine. My prayers go out to all of you who will miss his daily responses and know he will be around in so many future experiences. Thoughts of our loved ones live forever until we meet again.  Much love.  Jeannette (Rawson) Caress, Port Townsend, WA

Mrs. Vornsand and Family, 
 We are so sorry for your loss. No amount of words can take your pain or sadness away or make it any easier but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with ya'll at your time of loss. 
          Our sinerest condolences, Lena, Eric, Harley-Marie, ElizaRenee, and JeramiahEric Rios

I had someone ask about this and wanted to share with those that were unable to attend Papa's funeral.

Morning, everyone!  I am Nancy, Lori's oldest daughter, and this man is my Papa Gene.  I am the first of the amazing grandkids in this family and my daughter, Emma, is one of the 5 great-grandkids.  All of us here today have shared a laugh, story, or one of his amazing bear hugs at one time or another.  

Papa had one older brother, Uncle Ray, and two younger siblings, Uncle Bob and Auntie Carol.  If you have ever spent time with this crew together you know that there was never a dull moment!  He sure had a good sense of humor and had a comeback ready for anything.

My great-grandpa Dodd had a gift with woodwork.  Later in his life, he discovered another gift, painting.  But it was the craftsmanship with wood that was Papa's gift that he shared with us.  There is furniture, carefully, 
skillfully, and artfully crafted by him in many of our homes.  He could work wonders in that wood shop.  There is a stair case in New Mexico, playhouses and decks in back yards, and many other skillfully designed and precisely built things that he selflessly worked on for friends and family.

I remember growing up, I would brag to my friends about how good my Papa could grill.  We have all had the famous ribs, chicken, and steaks at parties and holidays.  If you ever went hungry at Monie and Papa's house, it was your own doing, it was NOT from lack of food!  She cooked amazing dishes and desserts and he brought in the roasting pan full of amazing smells while being trailed by all the dogs.

Oh yes, the dogs.  Despite what you may have heard, these dogs were by no means spoiled.  Don't all dogs have special benches making it easy for them to climb onto the bed?  Special ramps for easy treks in and out the dog door?  Specially designed platform for optimal viewing and navigation assistance while riding in the truck?  Yes, dogs are kind of a big deal with this family as most of you know.  I am sure he was greeted by many dogs excited to see him!

He was always willing to help any of us out when we needed it.  He and Monie opened their home to some of us over the years for one reason or another.  I was living with them in the fall of 1998 when the Guadalupe River flooded.  They were fortunate to be spared the nightmare of losing everything as so many of their friends and neighbors did.  They opened their home and tried to help in any way possible to get lives back on track.  And as far as moving…how many of us here did he help move over the years?  I wonder how many miles he drove making trips with college kids, new homes, and delivering handcrafted furniture.  He finally said “I am not moving anyone else!   You load and unload it and I'll be the driver!”

He was a softie when it came to the grandkids and great-grandkids.  I think the best pictures are of him holding all of us as infants and toddlers.  We all have memories with Papa:  eating ribs, swimming in the pool, helping in the wood shop as Papa carefully sanded down and painted some toys guns, and a saying that will stick with us for a long time…Here's a napkin, don't be afraid to use it! 
 
He was not always a man of many words, but when he did have something to say, we listened.  He had a great work ethic and worked very hard for all that he had in life.  I never knew him to shy away from something because it might be hard.  No, he would take on whatever the project was and do what needed to be done to complete it.  Slacker is a word that could never describe him.  Stubborn, maybe.  But my Great-Grandma Reba would have called it determined!

He had many special gifts and talents and that is how he will be remembered.  Out in the wood shop showing us the latest project, telling jokes or stories around the dinner table as we enjoy an amazing meal, fussing over the dogs, planning the next adventure in the travel trailer, tossing one of us into the pool when we were kids, going for boat rides on the lake, and dancing at a wedding.  

When our time comes to join him, he will be sharing some of that Blue Bell Vanilla Bean ice cream with the dogs and will greet us with a smile, witty comment, and a hug.  We can all take comfort knowing that he is watching over us from above and finally at peace with the loved ones that have gone before us.  I smile knowing that my daughter has the best guardian angel of them all, because no one will ever mess with that Papa Bear!

My thoughts and prayers are with Gene's family and friends.

My prayers and condolences to Mr Dodd's family.  Marc spoke of him often and by all accounts described him as a very devoted and generous man.  May his spirit continue in the people who loved him most.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to all of the Dodd Family.  Gene will be greatly missed, he was a blessing to everyone that knew him.  May God watch over each of you and comfort you.
Love & prayers,
The Young Family

Gene was truly a very special person.  I will have him in my heart always and will keep all of you in my prayers.  Carl and I were so glad to have Gene and Lamone visit us and Aunt Dorothy in our home.  It was a great time and I will never forget it.

Gene was indeed a gentle giant.  A big man with a big heart.  I will remember him always, he was very dear to my heart.
Aunt Dorothy Harden (Granville, IL)

What I remember most about Gene is all the fun we had dancing. We would tear up the floor at the Grange dances, and it didn't matter if Sharon and I were pregnant all the time or not we still kept up. Gene would always get me out on the dance floor and then delight in taking giant dancing steps to see if my little short legs would keep up. It was my pleasure to have you as a part of my Dodd life and I will cherish all of my memories.

To all of Gene's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My Papa was an amazing man...kind and gentle...last time I saw him I kissed him on the forehead and softly held his hand, knowing it might be the last time I would sit next to this great man...his wisdom had no limits, his love was always warm... He was a gentle giant, not a man of many words, but when he spoke we listened and his knowledge was always heard....his love was unconditional for his family and friends, never passing judgement, and alway willing to help in any way he could.... I was blessed to be a part of my Papa's life for 30 years, even more blessed that my children, Dylan and Kylee, were able to be a part of his life also.... Papa you will be missed everyday.... And never forgotten.... I love you Papa!!!!!

Sorry to hear of your loss but know that he is in a much better place now.  He's rejoicing with his family that reached heaven before him. Enjoy your memories as they are yours and can't be taken away.  Gene will be missed by his family and friends but may he rest in peace.
Cousin Sharon & Rick Tompkins

In loving memory of our dear Cousin, Gene.  You are going to be sorely missed by all who loved you!

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Walter Eugene "Gene" Dodd

24 février 1934 – 29 mai 2012

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