Douglas Richard Dodge, aka: Doug, Uncle Dougie, and most recently, Uncle Duckie, left this earth for “Neverland” on Saturday December 1, 2018.
Doug was born June 25, 1933 in Fargo, ND. He lived in Spokane, Washington and Salinas, CA, before landing in Watsonville, CA at age eight. In Watsonville he made lifelong friendships that stayed with him wherever he went. He was in the graduating class of ’51 at Watsonville High School and ’53 at Monterey Peninsula College. With a few stops along the way, when he moved from San Francisco, CA to Monterey, CA in 1972, he found home.
In his early years, Doug drove a taxicab in Watsonville. He was drafted into the Army in 1955 and was surprised to find he enjoyed his time in military service, viewing it as a pivotal time in his life. Before and after he served his country, he had a career with Standard Oil Company. With the GI Bill he later attended Golden Gate University, graduating in ’69 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He was partner in Skillicorn, Skillicorn & Dodge Tax and Accounting Services on the corner of 7th and Monte Verde in Carmel-by-the-Sea for 13 years. In 1985 Doug took an accounting position with the County of Monterey, working there for 13 years before retiring in 1998. He was always happy to remind you that he was retired and could spend his day as he pleased.
Doug’s love of travel took him all over the world, enjoying and exploring exotic locations with friends. Of the places he traveled, his favorites were Hong Kong, Honolulu, and of course where he chose to live, the Monterey Peninsula.
One of Doug’s greatest pleasures was yummy food. He ate out every day and was always surprised when something “healthy” actually tasted good.
Doug’s loyalty was evident in his long-lasting relationships. If you were in his inner circle you were loved deeply and unconditionally regardless of the time passed since he had last seen you. He would tell you if he disagreed with you, and still support you all the same.
Doug was a compassionate man. Always concerned for the welfare of others, in his last days he worried about all the people in the world who were also navigating the last stages of life, but without advocates and loved ones to care for them.
Doug faced many challenges and hardships during his life, but always remained steadfast and maintained an incredible sense of humor. He was known for his dry wit and ability to say the most outrageous things while maintaining a straight face.
Doug was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Mrs. C. A. Hollinshead and aunt Geraldine Card. Doug lost both of his siblings too young. His brother Ronald Dodge died in a traffic collision on December 15, 1979, and sister Charlene Dodge, born January 8, 1953, lived only days. He is remembered, loved and missed by many; to include Joe Johnson, Jack and Sandra Skillicorn, Jeanette and John Hughes, Richard, Mary, Alexis and Aria Hughes, Goddaughter Margaret Skillicorn, Great Godson Jackson Douglas Skillicorn, Jim Fletcher, and cousins Genie, Bianca, and Gianna Sandra.
We would like to thank Dr. Nancy Rubin and all the caring team members at the Pacific Cancer Care Center. You made a difficult situation manageable through your compassion, knowledge, and honesty. We wish to express much gratitude to caregivers Elizabeth, Cinthia, Lusi, Roxanne, Terry and Leslie; and the Heartland Hospice team, Tara, Victoria, and Ginger. You each made bringing him home and keeping his last days comfortable possible.
Private services to be held at a later date. Donations in lieu of flowers to Planned Parenthood or the Veterans Transition Center of Monterey County would be a beautiful memorial.
Doug was never one for goodbyes, always parting ways with a wave and a “Later!” In that spirit, we say “Later Doug. Until next time.”
