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8 Bells... William Dodge

Published on 1/23/2020

On Friday, January 17th, we lost a friend way before his time. Bill Dodge was a long time Lightning sailor who taught his friends and family what true selflessness, friendship and strength are. He lived his life with an open door and an open heart and was a wonderful human.

Bill grew up sailing in Sodus Bay where his family sailed an R-Boat and 8 Meters. It wasn't long before Lightning greats Fisk Hayden and Dick Hallagan got the Dodge kids into Lightnings. Once his older brother "Jed" started skippering his own boat, Bill was his regular crew. Together they have sailed countless races since then. Bill has always been a "super crew" and has been part of the Lightning Family for many years including most recently competing in the 2019 Worlds in Finland and the 2019 NA's at the Buffalo Canoe Club. He will be missed by many. We send the entire Dodge Family our deepest condolences.

In his honor the family will be hosting a non-denominational memorial service and visiting time for all friends and family.

When: Sunday, January 26, 2020 from 1 pm to 3 pm

Where: Temple Israel, 14 Coleytown Road, Westport, CT 06880

Following the service we will toast and celebrate this absolute legend at Dunvilles Restaurant at 41 Saugatuck Ave, Westport, CT, 06880, starting around 3:30/4pm.

Another service is being planned in the Sodus Bay area later this spring/summer.

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