ForeverMissed
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Summer of 2014

Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Tolin "Nick" Hodgell, forever in our hearts.  We will love and miss him always.


Donations in Nick's name can be made to PanCAN, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, an organization that supports research, cures, patients and families affected by Pancreatic Cancer.  www.pancan.org
 

Tributes

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Mildred May
December 23, 2015
December 23, 2015
Nick has been a friend since childhood, his family living across the street from mine in Laramie and playing together around the neighborhood (when it was actually safe for kids).

We all attended the same church and the youth activities, including camp at Mountain Home

As a teenager he spent some summers working on the ranch during haying season (where I lived after marrying Irvin). He was quick learning everything and very dependable even at this age. He was asked to return to work each year he was available...not everyone was.

At one time when Nick was in the navy he and JerryAnn were stationed at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi. Since my family had moved to McAllen Texas (about 130 miles from there) our new families were able to visit each other. My sons remember the thrill of his being our guide around the station and even visiting the Admiral's office!

It has been our pleasure to have remained in contact and rejoicing with them when the girls were born.

Nick and Owen's parents lived here during some of their retirement and are buried here, giving us the opportunity to be their hosts and sharing sad as well as happy times.

I will add that my brother Chuck, who also left this world recently, would have been saddened by Nick's passing...they both are enjoying the Presence of God now.

Nick, JerryAnn and the entire family remain fondly in my memories and will be missed here too.

My heartfelt prayers and blessings are sent to all who loved him and may you be comforted in your loss, especially to you, JerryAnn, for I have walked this way as well.

Lovingly,
Mildred (Millie) Brown May
Mary Hunt
December 16, 2015
December 16, 2015
I have been blessed to know Nick for more than 50 years...ever since he and JerryAnn started dating. I was a star-struck teenager and Nick was the first adult male I connected with outside of my family. Despite my youth, Nick always treated me with respect and love. He was much like the older brother I never had just as JerryAnn is the older sister I never had. Knowing Nick and following the Hodgell's life and family has been a true blessing to my life. Nick will be missed here on earth and is celebrated in Heaven! May he rest in the arms of our loving Lord Jesus until we meet again!
Johnna Parker
October 7, 2015
October 7, 2015
Dear Shannon, I am so sorry to hear about your father. I remember him from when we were growing up. He was always so kind, quiet and very tolerant. Please know you and your family are in our prayers. 
Johnna Parker John and Becky Tucker
Lorcan Bannon
October 6, 2015
October 6, 2015
Dear Michelle, JerryAnn

Really sorry to hear about the passing of Nick - although I only met him a handful of times, his generosity and good nature stay with me to this day. I especially remember him organizing a tour of a most awesome US Navy Vessel when we visited the US. Thinking of you all at this time.

May he rest in peace,

Lorcan & Leona
Michelle Kelly
October 6, 2015
October 6, 2015
Dear Michelle,
I am so saddened to hear you and your sisters have lost your father. When I think of Mr. Hodgell, I will always remember what an elegant gentleman he was. It was a pleasure to come to your house as we were growing up and watch the love and affection your parents had for each other and the three of you. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers but more importantly, a man of elegance is now in heaven watching over all of you and yours.
Kindest regards and with much respect,
Your old friend Peggy Sue
Daniel Ringle
October 5, 2015
October 5, 2015
We came to know Nick personally, albeit, for a very short time. It doesn't take long for a person's character to come to the surface and we quickly learned he was a man of admirable qualities. He possessed spiritual depth, high intelligence, and a deep understanding of what the role of a husband and father should be and he took that very seriously. But, along with the seriousness, came a genuine smile and chuckle when around family and friends he enjoyed. Our prayer is for his grandsons to emulate the character of their grandfather and for his daughters to rise up and call him blessed. Our prayers will continue for you, Jerry Ann as you begin this portion of your journey. Psalm 30:5b "Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning."
As we join you as believers in what Christ did for us on the cross, we look forward to being with Nick one day in Heaven!
Connie Confer
October 2, 2015
October 2, 2015
Marion and I were deeply saddened with the news of Nick's passing. Although it was inevitable it is always difficult when that time comes. Nick was a loyal friend who was always there when we needed help. We had deep respect for Nick's dedication to his family and his church. We especially respected him for his military service and love of country.
Telma Dorcey
September 30, 2015
September 30, 2015
Dear Michelle, My heart and prayers are with you and your family as you journey through the loss of your father. A heart felt military salute to your father. It is never easy to lose a loved one. Here is a poem that I want to share:

"When I die
If you need to weep
Cry for someone walking on the street beside you,
And when you need me,
Put your arms around others,
And give them what you need to give me
You can love me most by letting
Hands touch hands, and
Souls touch souls.
You can love me most by
Sharing your celebrations, and acts of kindness.
You can love me most by letting me live in your deeds
Remember what the word of God teaches:
Love doesn't die
People do.
So when all that's left of me is love
Give me away."

May God wrap his mantle of love around you and your family during this time of grieving and remembering.

Blessings,

Telma Dorcey
Lee Kaser
September 29, 2015
September 29, 2015
A well-remembered classmate and friend. I am sorry.to hear he is gone but glad to hear he had a wonderful and successful life.

Lee Kaser
Ralph Hicks
September 29, 2015
September 29, 2015
Well, I knew Nick WAY back in high school days in Laramie Wy. We did a lot of ice skating at the rink in Laramie, competing with one another in Physics class (Dr. Condrey's class) to answer his questions before anyone else could - all the usual stuff high school kids did back then. We, of course, lost close contact with one another as we grew up and left Laramie to pursue our lives. We still maintained contact through Christmas cards/letters over these many years and I know Nick led a wonderful life with his family and all the traveling they did. At the same age as he was I am reminded of my own vulnerability and I am sincerely thankful for his friendship in my life.

Ralph Hicks
Bill Darcy
September 29, 2015
September 29, 2015
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Good memories of Tolin from Laramie High. So sorry I did not know he lived in Gig Harbor as my sister, Doris Nell Darcy (Rorem) LHS Class of '57 also lives there and we have visited many times. He rose to Navy Captain, Wow, I'm impressed. My nieces, Shawna and Shelly Rorem and Nephew, Mike Rorem.
Wendi Delaney
September 29, 2015
September 29, 2015
Such a gentleman and purest image of a respected military man. He was the strong father that his beautiful girls could always count, the devoted and dedicated husband, and proud grandpa. What a touching tribute to a very special man. I truly love all the wonderful Hodgell women Nick raised and married.
Kerry Edwards
September 29, 2015
September 29, 2015
Michelle, I am so sorry, our dads are our hearts, amazing loving strong men that love us unconditionally no matter what.. and your dad sounds just wonderful..... I was at St Charles Borromeo Church last night at a special mass with the retiring bishop and the "new" bishop.. and lit a candle for your dad and carried him in my heart all mass time.. he prays for us now... anything anywhere anytime my friend, love kee
Anna Lopiccolo
September 29, 2015
September 29, 2015
It was a blessing these last several years to live nearby and get to spend time with Nick and JerryAnn, share Navy stories, and get to introduce Nick to our son, named after Nick's brother. Whenever I have mentioned Nick's passing to someone in the last several days, I inevitably say, "He was such a good man."
Sherry Skarda
September 28, 2015
September 28, 2015
The measure of Nick Hodgell is measured by the family he raised. His children and grandchildren are attributes to our society. I am proud to know Michelle and call her friend.
May you rest in the Lords precious hands.
Sherry Skarda
Don Daugherty
September 28, 2015
September 28, 2015
I am proud to say that I knew Nick. He was a good man, good father, good husband that worked hard to provide. He will always be missed by his family but remember he will be smiling and watching over you!

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Recent Tributes
Mildred May
December 23, 2015
December 23, 2015
Nick has been a friend since childhood, his family living across the street from mine in Laramie and playing together around the neighborhood (when it was actually safe for kids).

We all attended the same church and the youth activities, including camp at Mountain Home

As a teenager he spent some summers working on the ranch during haying season (where I lived after marrying Irvin). He was quick learning everything and very dependable even at this age. He was asked to return to work each year he was available...not everyone was.

At one time when Nick was in the navy he and JerryAnn were stationed at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi. Since my family had moved to McAllen Texas (about 130 miles from there) our new families were able to visit each other. My sons remember the thrill of his being our guide around the station and even visiting the Admiral's office!

It has been our pleasure to have remained in contact and rejoicing with them when the girls were born.

Nick and Owen's parents lived here during some of their retirement and are buried here, giving us the opportunity to be their hosts and sharing sad as well as happy times.

I will add that my brother Chuck, who also left this world recently, would have been saddened by Nick's passing...they both are enjoying the Presence of God now.

Nick, JerryAnn and the entire family remain fondly in my memories and will be missed here too.

My heartfelt prayers and blessings are sent to all who loved him and may you be comforted in your loss, especially to you, JerryAnn, for I have walked this way as well.

Lovingly,
Mildred (Millie) Brown May
Mary Hunt
December 16, 2015
December 16, 2015
I have been blessed to know Nick for more than 50 years...ever since he and JerryAnn started dating. I was a star-struck teenager and Nick was the first adult male I connected with outside of my family. Despite my youth, Nick always treated me with respect and love. He was much like the older brother I never had just as JerryAnn is the older sister I never had. Knowing Nick and following the Hodgell's life and family has been a true blessing to my life. Nick will be missed here on earth and is celebrated in Heaven! May he rest in the arms of our loving Lord Jesus until we meet again!
Johnna Parker
October 7, 2015
October 7, 2015
Dear Shannon, I am so sorry to hear about your father. I remember him from when we were growing up. He was always so kind, quiet and very tolerant. Please know you and your family are in our prayers. 
Johnna Parker John and Becky Tucker
View all 16 tributes
Gallery
Four generations Baby Owen, Momma Anna, Grand Aunt Kris, Great Uncle Nick.
As a tourist, never get on the camel in Egypt. The camel driver wants more money to make the camel lie down so you can get off. Smart Nick knew this trick, and we stayed on the ground.
Dad and Baggins
Dad & Shannon in front of the Shop.
Family on bridge
Under their tree, down at the beach.
Sisamute
Greenland
Nicks folks visit Torrington.
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Recent stories
October 9, 2015
by Shannon Larsen

This poem was read for Dad at his burial. I thought it was so touching I wanted to share it.  

 

The Watch
For twenty years
This sailor has stood the watch

While some of us were in our bunks at night
This sailor stood the watch

While some of us were in school learning our trade
This shipmate stood the watch

Yes.. even before some of us were born into this world
This shipmate stood the watch

In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history
This shipmate stood the watch

Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there
Needing his guidance and help
Needing that hand to hold during those hard times
But he still stood the watch

He stood the watch for twenty years
He stood the watch so that we, our families and
Our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, Each and every night
Knowing that a sailor stood the watch

Today we are here to say
'Shipmate... the watch stands relieved
Relieved by those You have trained ,Guided, and Lead
Shipmate you stand relieved.. we have the watch..."

"Boatswain..Standby to pipe the side...Shipmate's going Ashore.."

 
I miss you dad... 

Who's in the front row?

October 2, 2015
by Connie Confer

Nick had a great love for family and for his church. He was also a master of filling his time wisely.  This story happened when the family lived in Torrington and the girls
were in school.

One night Nick had an obligation with the Knights of Columbus which required him to wear a tuxedo.  Their meeting went late. That same night his daughter was in a musical program at school.  Also, the new, nervous and first year music director was being introduced to the Torrington community because  he was to direct his first concert at that time..  Imagine his surprise and bewilderment, when he peeked through the curtain and saw a tall handsome naval officer in a tuxedo, slip into a front row seat just before the program began. What a surprise to an already nervous fellow!  Did he think he was in New Your City where men often dressed in tuxedos? Was the music he had selected been high class?  Anyway, Nick got to the program in time and didn't miss a single note.  I think being there for family was terrific...and what an entrance!

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