Gene Hodges, (1951 - 2018) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

We'll remember Gene forever
The Geek shall inherit the Earth

67 years old
Born on September 17, 1951 in Arkansas, United States
Passed away on December 23, 2018 in La Jolla, California, United States

There's a lot of "STORIES" and photos in the GALLERY. For awhile, I couldn't see them with my iPad. Seems to be fixed. If you have an issue seeing them, let me know, gl

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Gene Hodges died unexpectedly on December 23, 2018 at the tender age of 67.

He was a believer in dying young as old as you can make it. Alas, we all wanted and expected this to be at least 10 years later.

Gene leaves 4 incredible children: Lisa, Annie, Sam and Ellie. They way they support one another is inspiring and a tribute to him as a father.

Gene was born in Arkansas and liked to promote the legend that he was a Hatfield. His formative high school years were in Tucson where he spent after school time at the famous University of Arizona Mirror Lab. Somehow, he arrived at Haverford to study astrophysics. He was a first generation college student from a working class family at a time when elite colleges didn't recognize that as a significant group. At Haverford, he was a leader, serving as President of the Student Gov't during an extremely difficult time at the College. He started the Presidency as part of a Triumvirate. But, the Black Students Association staged a boycott of all college activities as soon as their term started. The other two guys bailed and Gene was left with an extremely difficult Presidency negotiating the end of this boycott. He was known by his closest college friends as "The Incredible Gene Hodges".

In addition to college politics, Gene did astrophysics research with Bruce Partridge at Haverford. He was a skilled programmer and supported himself working for the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. Bruce lamented: "I wish I could have paid him as much as they did, the work he did for me was unrivaled by any student I worked with".

After college, Gene and his college sweetheart, Dorothy Unger, relocated to Washington DC. In those days, IBM and DEC were the places with the best hardware, compiler and software people. DEC was more oriented to science. Gene had his sights on DEC as he worked for a couple Beltway Bandits. After a couple years, he and Dorothy were married and off to live in a brownstone in Boston's South End with Gene commuting to Maynard.

Gene and Dorothy had two daughters, Lisa and Annie.

Gene then worked for a small company in Texas that he guided to be acquired by McAfee (aka "Network Associates" for 7 years). With the acquisition, he joined McAfee. Gene was a pioneer in pushing out antiviral software updates via networks, with two patents in this area while at Network Associates (a rebranding of McAfee that lasted 7 years, then they went back to "McAfee"). John McAfee has become infamous for his outlaw ways. This had a positive and negative impact on the company. During one huge "outlaw incident", Gene was catapulted first to the head of the "McAfee Division" and finally to the Presidency Network Associates.

McAfee was particularly keen on acquiring other competing companies. When he was division head, Gene was often sent in to make sure that key personnel were retained. When they acquired Dr. Solomon, his charge was to make sure that Amanda Clark (among others) stayed with McAfee. He took this assignment more seriously than most. They married and had two children, Sam and Ellie.

In 2006, he jumped to the CEO position at rival Websense and the family moved to La Jolla. In these top positions, Gene was known for his skills in guiding technology development as well corporate strategy, sales and marketing.

Gene retired in January 2013 as the travel was too much for family life and Amanda's health. He and Amanda lived in Windsor UK for several years. Alas, Amanda died on May 6, 2015.

Gene relocated back to La Jolla with their children in 2016. Sam is a key member of the 2485 W.A.R. Lords Robotics Team. Ellie is an accomplished artist with a commission to illustrate a book on the Invention of the Telescope. Both take after their father in their extraordinary scientific abilities.

Gene was living a healthy lifestyle in La Jolla, power walking for at least 40 minutes per day, taking stretching classes to deal with old issues in his back fascia. Friends marveled at how he was looking fitter than he had for a decade.

On December 23rd, Gene cooked up a storm for a holiday party. Sam was in the UK, but Lisa, Annie and Ellie were all present along with a few other guests. Everyone had a lovely time and were heading off to bed. Gene threw an embolism; he died quietly and quickly.

Tributes

Leave a tribute

December 24, 2022

Gene, thinking of you today on the anniversary of your passing. Know that your friends & family miss you greatly.❤️

July 27, 2020

I am so saddened to just finding out the passing of a wonderful couple who employed me as the nanny for their gorgeous children Sam and Ellie since Sam was 11months old living in Mtview while they worked for Network Associates..I worked for a few times for them in La Jolla and Windsor,UK when Gene and Amanda had to travel for Gene's work. They were the coolest boss and I enjoyed my time working for them.Missing you both so much and may your beautiful souls rest in Gods love. Sam, issa noqu lewa I am thinking of you and Ellie and just want to hug you both so tight.
Love you both❤❤
Seini Tui Koop
Nadi,Fiji Islands

February 12, 2019

4 Things that I often think about
1. "That dog don't hunt" -- you would never want to hear Gene say that after a business pitch.
2. Whether he was hyping up hundreds of eager sales people or our most important customers - he spoke the language of the audience in every situation.
3. He and Steve Jobs both had a penchant for the Silicon Valley black turtleneck.
4. Also mastered the art of saying a lot by saying so little.
Grateful for everything he taught directly/indirectly -- intentionally and unintentionally.
Alan

January 16, 2019

The Underwood's knew Gene through our cousin Amanda. Although we only met him on a handful of occasions we knew him as an incredibly generous person who knew how to have a good time. Our thoughts go out to his family.

January 7, 2019

I met Gene a few years ago when he had made the decision to relocate from London to La Jolla. Gene's devotion to his daughters and single minded determination to make their transition a smooth and happy move impressed me. My heart and prayers are with you.

January 1, 2019

Gene showed us that a CEO could be human, humble and caring. He left his mark on all who encountered him - I am so grateful for the time, the memories, the laughter and the lessons. Even though we will miss you deeply your legend will live on! Thank you Gene.

January 1, 2019

Gene the proud father of his four beautiful girls .Gene the guy who made bloody sure my daughter Rosa and his Ellie would stay friends forever despite the miles .Gene Hodges your generosity to our daughter Rosa blew my mind the latest being a gastronomic trip to Rome with all the Gene and Ellie Hodges trimmings .You told me only 2 weeks ago how proud you were of your Clare getting a place early at Masachessues .
You loved the sun and the beach in La Jolla and would often text me a weather update with a smiling emoji especially when it was freezing here .Your were so desperate for Trump not to be elected and we spoke many times about this .
I got to know you when Amanda got sick and then you dedicated yourself to being the father they needed and became part of our lives too. It wasn’t your thing to be a social bunny but you tried your best and got much better at it .
You are with your Amanda now and I just want to say babe I will miss your big laugh and your texts .Why did god have to take you now it seems so very unfair .Im always going to be here for your girls they are all beautiful and young Ellie will always be a part of our family in the UK.
Love you big fella .
Trina xxx

December 31, 2018

I vaguely knew Gene through my friend Amanda during the Windsor years. What I can say is that he dealt with a terribly trying time with grace and all his children were a credit to him. Thinking of you all xxx

December 30, 2018

Gene was among the astronomy and physics students who welcomed me to Haverford College in the Fall of 1970. I was accustomed to the polished, insistent and very smart students at Princeton. Gene was a tad unpolished, laid back and very, very smart.
To my good fortune, I lined up Gene to help with a project I had underway – a search for “primeval galaxies,” the first to form after the Big Bang. Early on, I pressured him to do a Fourier transform of some data on an 80 x 140 grid (I don’t remember the exact numbers, but they weren’t 2n). Gene said something like “It would be easier if it were 64 x 128.”
“No, I need 80 x 140.” Easier, schmezier, I thought; I wanted 80 x 140. I was the professor; I knew best.
Gene then settled in to explain the Cooley-Tukey FFT algorithm to me. It was not the last time a Haverford student has taught me something I didn’t know, but Gene’s lesson was the first and most valuable. And among the gentlest.
In his final year, I tried to pile the work on. Gene finally told me he had to cut back because of his “work at Princeton.” I found out that he was moonlighting as a consultant at a lab at Princeton University – as an undergraduate -- for many, many times the $2-$3 an hour I could pay him here.
Working with Gene was a powerful element in my decision to make my career at Haverford. When I arrived here, I was far from sure I could keep up my scientific career at a small liberal arts college. The answer was yes, provided I could team up with bright, resourceful, independent students like Gene.
It was a blessing to have had the chance to re-connect with Gene and his family at the boisterous celebration of the life and work of his good friend, George Lake.

December 29, 2018

This is so deeply saddening. A terrible loss to all who knew Gene. He was a Haverford classmate of mine; I mostly knew him as a gentle soul who lived in the same co-ed Bryn Mawr dorm (Rhoads). I am so sorry for his family; my condolences to all. What a loss.

December 29, 2018

Besides helping pioneer co-ed dorms between Haverford and Bryn Mawr colleges, Gene helped hatch the idea of a "triumvirate" of three people (including him) instead of the usual single class President. It didn't work particularly well, but it was emblematic of the close of the 60s (which our non-traditional class figured really ended at the same time we graduated).
My favorite recollection was hitching cross country with Gene over the holiday break in late 1972, surviving a a terrifying 90+ mph ride through Truth or Consequences, NM, and a 50 hour drive back to Philadelphia in Gene's VW.
Nice to hear of his feats, family, and friends in the long an admirable life since those days.

December 29, 2018

Gene was the autocratic ruler of Haverford's one computer in 1972 when I took 6 weeks to learn how to do punchcards. He was cool, kind, and smarter than hell. My memory is that he was running an entire galaxy on the computer. It doesn't surprise me that he did so well in IT.
My condolences to the family. If any of the kids are in the DC region, please reach out.

December 29, 2018

I just got the news and was sad to hear it but in another way, I would say that for me, Gene left the world he touched a changed and better place. I first met Gene whilst I was working at Airbus. Gene called me up one morning and asked why I did not choose McAfee AV software, following my 3 month anti malware group test for a global solution. After a long discussion and explaining why I chose Dr Solomons, I did not hear from Gene for a few months. When he next called me, he was delighted to inform me that I was now one of his new customers (McAfee had acquired Dr Sollys). So began the first of many get togethers with Gene, which had a positive influence on my life and career. For sure, the story behind that call is I use in after dinner speeches. Thinking of Gene and his family, I'll light a candle this evening for Gene in celebration of his life.

December 29, 2018

Gene was an amazing boss, mentor, coach and friend. Fiercely smart and passionate and always welcoming to his home. I will miss his inspiring and thought provoking debates and his friendship. Always ready to help, always there for support, you are missed my friend!

December 29, 2018

My condolences to the family and close friends. I worked with Gene at Mcafee and then for Gene at Network Associates. He was a good man.
May his family find comfort in knowing the positive impact he had on so many people.
Rest In Peace Gene.

December 29, 2018

I had the pleasure of meeting Gene a number of years ago when he was leading Websence and I was in the middle of a turbulent implementation of the product. Turbulent not because of the functionality but because of the culture at the company who didn’t want an ounce of oversight. Gene assisted me in many ways and I was always very grateful. So sadden to hear about his passing and know we are missing an incredible soul as a result. Prayers to his family!

December 28, 2018

I first met Gene Hodges when he welcomed me to McAfee. He was the first visitor to the McAfee's India operation, a huge supporter of that site. He was a coach to me in the early days, helped me understand the impact of my role, and often gave me bolder ways to solving problems. I observed his decision-making that went into turning around McAfee. I valued his guidance and friendship and reached out to him often. He never got older in my mind. I am sad to know he is not around to talk. I hope he knew how much I appreciated the time with him. I will miss him.

December 28, 2018

So sad to hear this news today. I have wonderful memories of Gene and have thought of him often since his retirement from Websense. Especially a particular night with tequila in Munich and how he gifted me my first iPad. Amazing man, great energy and so personable. I haven’t met many CEOs with such charisma. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Rest in peace Gene x

December 28, 2018

I was shocked and so very upset when I learnt of Gene’s passing. He gave me two beautiful grandchildren for which I will always be grateful.

December 28, 2018

I worked with Gene at McAfee many years ago as we were gradually establishing our vision as a security company well before it became the industry it has blossomed into today. At the time i enjoyed some incredible success because of his visor and leadership as well as many of the other people on this thread. Later he became a mentor to me as he challenged me to be more than I was as I was trying to evolve outside my current path His passion , uncanny instinct to understand what motivated you and his incredible intellect in many different disciplines besides just work ( I ll never forget a long discussion on Russian existentialism!) will stick with me forever. Farewell Gene

December 28, 2018

I met Gene when he was at Network Asssociates (before they changed their name to McAfee) and acquired my company, Foundstone. He was a truly good soul. He was always supportive and helpful to me in the transition and long after at McAfee. I was going through my own personal challenges as well and he helped me through them. I am truly saddened by this news. He was taken way too soon. My heart goes out to Gene's family but just know that he made an immeasurably positive impression on the world, not the least of which was me and my family. Thank you Gene! You will be missed.

December 28, 2018

Very sad news. I worked for/with Gene at both Network Associates/McAfee and later Websense and knew Amanda when she was at McAfee too. When I joined Websense, Amanda and I became good friends and lunch buddies while she and Gene lived in LaJolla.
While my relationship with Gene was first and foremost professional and being friends with your CEO isn’t necessarily a good idea, I’ll always remember the times Gene and Amanda invited me over to their home for dinner, or met me for Sunday brunch at George’s when I was “stuck" in San Diego over the weekend.
As a professional, Gene was brilliant, passionate, opinionated and prescient. He was a rocket scientist to be sure. As man, he put on his pants one leg at a time, just like we all do, deeply loved his wife and children, and deserved all the time in the world to step away from the spotlight to be with his kids and family.
My sincerest condolences. Gene, you will be missed but always remembered.

December 28, 2018

Gene was one of my mentors. We were close at McAfee. We traveled the world together several times. I will never forget our nights out in Tokyo and the UK. I will always remember when we sat in Aylesbury in "The Charter" and designed the future of the security business we were building - literally on a napkin. I don't think many people realize that Gene had a very large part in designing many of the foundations of modern security management. He had that rare mind that could navigate the dilemma of building a business and advancing the state of the art. He helped me during a particularly tough time, and I believe I did the same for him. I find this news devastating. We had drifted apart over the past few years. I always wanted to reconnect. I wanted him to know how much he meant to me. He was remarkable.

December 27, 2018

Gene, you will be so missed. Working for you as your housekeeper during the past two years has been a joy. You were definitely one of the most organized & cleanest men I've ever met. You usually had a smile and were always so upbeat. Always busy, travelling with his kids, running a tight ship at home and being a Great Dad who loved spending quality time with his family. I admired the way Gene was supportive & would encourage his kids' creativity, individuality & being independent. He was proud of all four of his children and the love between all of them as a family was and is very apparent.
Gene took the time to listen & encourage me when I would be worried about my aging parents & missing my family who all live far away. I agree with everyone on here; he was kind, funny and supportive. The last conversation we had before I left for Christmas vacation, Gene said to me "Go have a nice visit with your Dad, he won't always be around".
See you soon Gene, on the other side!
Much Love to Lisa, Annie, Sam & Ellie.
~ Diana

December 26, 2018

Gene was among the most extraordinary people Melinda and I have had the privilege to know. We cherish memories of him with Dorothy, Lisa and Annie in and around Boston long ago, and we’re grateful to George for opportunities over the years to check in with Gene and to spend time with Amanda, Sam and Ellie. In personality and intellect Gene was to us not merely brilliant, he was super-luminous, and our time spent with him was invariably stimulating, entertaining, and memorable. So, although did not see him often, Gene was very much a part of our lives. We will miss him terribly. All of you who loved him are in our thoughts.

December 25, 2018

Gene was an amazingly intelligent man who generally left me bemused most of the time. He had the incredible talent of making perfect sense whilst also confusing the hell out of me. Gene was a great father and friend and will be missed. Gone too young. Big love Gene. I hope you are with Amanda now xxx

December 25, 2018

I did not know Gene very well, but I know of Gene very well, through George and for the wonderful things of Gene and the great stories about Gene that George told us at many happy times over the years. Gene had a space in our minds and hearts, and suddenly we are struggling to deal with the hole, to calm the anger and to soothe the pain. To Gene’s children, family and close friends, to George and Jola, go all my thoughts of friendship and love. For Gene I lit a candle tonight.

December 25, 2018

Oh, what a terrible loss. Gene was one year ahead of me at Haverford, and was always a kind, generous, and supportive presence. He was enormously gifted, but wore his gifts lightly. The last time I saw him was at the eclipse in August of 2017, where we were both part of George Lake's entourage; at least two of his daughters came along, as well, and I could tell that they were great kids -- and a living testament to his parenting.
What a terrible loss.

December 25, 2018

It certainly seems he lived a life worth living and it seems he knew it. The sliver of time each of gets in the 13.8 billion years of the universe is precious. His was lined with gold

Leave a Tribute

Recent Tributes

December 24, 2022

Gene, thinking of you today on the anniversary of your passing. Know that your friends & family miss you greatly.❤️

July 27, 2020

February 12, 2019

View all 29 tributes

Gallery

Gene in full flow was truly a tour de force.

Gene with John Carrington at Websense Dinner

Gene and I add my daughter’s wedding Busca Palace, Portugal

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His Life

Notes from his Professional Colleagues at Linkedin

December 31, 2018

Lior Arbel sent the following message:

Hi George.

I used to work with Gene at Websense. He was a great leader and I was saddened to hear about his passing . A great loss.

I posted about it in LinkedIn and the post got nearly 20000 views and about 45 comments share their memories about/with Gene

He influenced many people life in the Cyber Security industry and I thought it is important to share with his friends and family.

Here is the link to the post.

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6484442348745998336

I've cut and pasted what was there on NYEve.....

From Linkedin, Original post by Lior Arbel

Lior Arbel; General Manager Europe & North America at Performanta

So sorry to hear about the passing of Gene Hodges. former CEO of Websense (Now Forcepoint)

A true CEO and a leader who inspired me with his approach to the employees. He was professional but also knew how to have fun. (Many stories can be told about nights out with him and Tequila shots).

He will be truly missed. My condolences to his family.

Jake Gertjan Hofwegen; Turning vision into revenue

So sad to hear about this..I worked with Gene at both McAfee, Network Associates and WebSense. He knew how to have fun but also was a great product visionary (EPO is still a product sold by McAfee)

Such a unique personality, he will be missed.

Mikko Jarvinen; Security Sales Leader at Trustwave EMEA

So sorry to hear. Gene was great, inspirational and always passionate about taking the business to the next level.

Jannet Borrmann; Programs and Events Manager Bozeman Schools Foundation

Very sad to hear this. Eric Borrmann and I knew Gene & Amanda well during a period where we lead parallel dating, marriage and moving to CA lives, while all working for Network Associates. Both very smart and kind; so sorry for their girls having lost both of these amazing parents way too young. Our heartfelt best wishes to the family.

June Bronwasser; Partner Manager

Very sad indeed. My condolences to their loved ones, especially their girls.

John McCormack; Operating Executive Marlin Equity Partners, CEO at Fidelis Cybersecurity, Board Member Ping Identity, Chairman AppRiver

I had the opportunity to catch up with Gene before thanksgiving. It had been a while. He was very proud of his “Mr Mom” role taking care of his two younger girls he focused on after the passing of Amanda. We spoke fondly of the many great leaders we had at WEBSENSE that “made us look like we knew what we were doing” a classic Gene line. Gene created an immense opportunity for me that I, and my family, are forever grateful for. Gene RIP my friend.

Jeff Honeycomb; Sales at NetSuite

This is so sad. I wish the best for Amanda's and Gene's children. Gene was brilliant and I enjoyed our time working together. Miss you brother.

Guy Golan; Chief Executive Officer at Performanta Group

The news came as a shock to me!

Serious cold chills ran when I heard the terrible news.

It's been over 8 years since I saw him last. Nevertheless, there was not even once in every year we didn't mention him with the truly fun stories and his great leadership!

I got to know Gene when he was CEO of Websense. He visited South Africa for the first time meeting with one of our major clients. Gene instantaneously impressed the client as authentic and genuine as can be. Needless to say, I was blown away by who he was and the way he approached things. One of his famous observations were that DLP will guarantee revenue generation for Web and Email security but not the other way around.

Gene was willing to be my mentor for nearly 3 years in which I learnt a lot but also got to know him well.

My views of Gene: he was a person one cannot ignore. Immense charisma wrapped with excellent vision. Fun to be around with. Receives huge respect from all around. Very down to earth. Truthful to the cause. His employees were a true asset to him. It was shown in everything Gene did.

Gene, you'll be sorely missed. May you rest in peace! My sincere condolences to his dear family.

Scott Sayman; Regional Sales, New England at Vectra AI | Security That Thinks

Very well said Guy Golan.

Neil Thacker; Chief Information Security Officer EMEA (CISO) & Data Protection Officer (DPO) at Netskope

Such sad news and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I first met Gene at the Websense TRITON launch event and instantly connected with him.His passion to deliver a vision and his desire to listen to feedback from customers was a primary reason I joined Websense.He is one of the great leaders in cybersecurity.

Most will remember that he was excited by life, told great stories but most of all was immensely proud of his family.

Rest in peace Gene. You did good.

李雷諾 Lee Reynolds لي رينولدز; CEO at NETconsent

Very sad news

Katy Sollis; Inside Sales Director at Forcepoint

Really sad news, I saw Dave M's share on Facebook earlier. I have fond memories of Gene as Websense CEO when I first started with the company in 2007 Lior, as you do too I'm sure! RIP Gene.

Chris Adams; Strategic Sales Executive

Lovely man, an inspirational leader with bags of individuality who kept it very very real! R.I.P Gene

Haverford College

December 25, 2018

Haverford was a transformative time for Gene.

When he arrived, he was still a member of an odd church where snake handling and speaking in tongues were part of the service. He would go downtown Phili to attend an associate church. His view of the big picture certainly changed! He was certain that there was a Master Programmer to the Universe. I'm more radical atheist myself, so didn't discuss this in a lot of detail with him. Someone else may fill in here.

Gene was an astrophysics major.

He was elected to President of the Student Government as part of a Triumvirate. Within a week, the Black Students Associate decided to strike. They would not participate in any aspect of college life (other than classes) until various issues were resolved. This notion of a strike was novel and the College of Quakers had no idea how to deal with it. It was a novel enough idea that I don't think the Black Students Association had a real clear idea what resolution they wanted. This was happening in 1972, so that might seem late for something that sounds so 60s, but "the 60s" as we think of them today didn't really start until the Summer of Love in 1967. The story of the Quakers on the Main Line (the little train line that passes through Haverford) was that they came to the Main Line to do good and they did very well indeed! While the College wanted to be open to new things and people, it was really an institution of rich white Quakers who had been to higher education for generations. So, Gene's leadership skills were sorely tested as the Students who started the strike tried to figure out what they wanted, or, what could really be changed that would improve the conditions they sought to improve. Nowadays, every college has some program to help first generation college students. It's often described on their home page and certainly all over their admission pages. There was no recognition of this back in the early 70s. So, Gene was being railroaded into a position of representing the establishment when the establishment really didn't recognize students like him. It was a very polarizing experience.

Even without those special circumstances, it was rough enough that the other two members of his Triumvirate bailed and he was left holding the bag alone. It all happened before I arrived and, while it was over and Gene played a critical role, nobody seemed to think that either the strike or the denouement was a success and it was not spoken of.

When Gene arrived at Haverford, there was just one Astronomy Professor, Louis Green. In his sophomore year, Bruce Partridge arrived. Gene worked with him on the earliest objects forming stars in the Universe, a topic that really exploded about 30 years later. The pace of this research slowed when Gene started work programming for the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab.

The Legendary Roast

January 7, 2019

Gene gave quite possibly the greatest conference roast (for George's 60th birthday) that I have ever seen and -- most likely -- will ever see. It began with pictures of George's childhood and culminated in the now infamous tale of their Hunter S. Thompson style road trip across America. We all learned a little more about George that day, and about Gene. He was an outstanding speaker and someone who left his mark on all those he met. He will be much missed.

Justin

An inspirational leader.

January 2, 2019

I worked with Gene while at Websense. Over several years, I escaped the dull grey London weather in January for the sunny clines of San Diego. My job was to help Gene construct a keynote presentation that would excite and energise the global Websense salesforce at the annual kickoff event.

During these periods I got to know Gene somewhat. I was struck by his enormous intellect and empathy with his audience. He knew what he wanted to say and how he wanted to say it; mine was a minor role in this tour de force. I learnt a lot from these preparations that I continue to carry with me today in my professional life.

Whenever I filmed Gene I was struck by one remarkable fact that I have never seen repeated by anyone else in my 30 year career. Without fail, he said what he wanted to say in a clear and lucid manner IN ONE TAKE. Never once did I have to ask him to repeat a take, we just pressed record and got the material we needed. I was always in awe of this amazing ability.

Imagine my surprise after Gene had left Websense when we met again at my daughter’s school in Chertsey, UK. Gene was at an informal gathering of parents offering advice to the students on future career options. He was so modest in his experience of the technology industry, I don’t think the assembled staff and students realised what a superstar they had in their midst.

I wanted to exclaim, “This is Gene Hodges, do you know what he’s achieved!”, but it wasn’t Gene’s style to boast.

A brilliant intellect, a fascinating character and I feel honoured to have known him.

Eulogy for Gene

December 29, 2018

Delivered via skype at his remembrance gathering on 29 December.

Gene Hodges Eulogy

What am I doing giving you Bibles?

Well, we’ll get to that.

Gene led the roast at the conference in my honor 4 years ago. Usually, those events stop short of accusations of beastiality. But, that’s just where Gene started. My family, colleagues, former students and postdocs all loved it. I’m sorely tempted to repay the favor, but that will have to wait for another time.

Gene and I overlapped by mere months at Haverford, but most people thought that we’d been roommates for 4 years. Our tag line in recent years was that we were “brothers from another mother”.

He graduated two years before I did and I was lucky that he and Dorothy moved close to my parents in DC.I was able to see them often. My brother Joe remembers this time well, particularly how kind and sensitive Gene was to both my mother and him, the high school kid brother.

There were times, even years, when we were out of touch, but somehow we were in good contact at times of need. I really appreciate how he was there for my health crisis of the last year.Jola also gained strength from his support. I was really looking forward to trips we had planned next year.

His death was most unexpected.Gene was doing the right things for his health and was in better shape then a decade ago. He was reaching out more to people and cultivating more friendships. The dinner party that he threw in his last hours was one sign of this.I know how excited he was about the preparations and have heard about how pleased he was at how it went. He couldn’t have asked for better final hours.

In the last days, I’ve been reminded of his college “nickname”: “The Incredible Gene Hodges”. He became more incredible with time. In college, we shared the feeling of being mountain boys who were different than the elite kids. But, look at us! We soared from White Trash to Eurotrash in one generation!

Some people’s great accomplishments go unrecognized because they are just so expected. That was the case with Gene. Of course, he was going to be the one among our college peers to be the CEO of a major corporation. How could it be otherwise? He learned sales and marketing from his dad who had a small business and died when he was young. His mom, in her way, taught him strategic planning and helped him get off to an elite college where he excelled and was elected President of the Student Government. It was hard for Gene to get credit for his successes, he was just being Gene.

But, there is one great success that we all notice: his 4 children. We could recognize the greatness in each one, but it’s the way that we see them work together and support each other that’s truly remarkable. We all recognize his role as their father as the greatest success of Gene’s life. Let’s take a moment to recognize Lisa, Annie, Sam and Ellie as the greatest legacies that anyone could leave the world.

At Amanda’s funeral, Gene mentioned his belief in “A Greatness in the Cosmos”. He called them “The Master Programmer”. He expected grief from me as I’m a more radical atheist. I respect his belief although I’m not the best to represent it. I will defer to Thomas Jefferson for that.

So, that brings us to the Bibles, I hope there are enough for all of you. We now turn to the time of the Founders, so cue the theme for “Hamilton”. Jefferson and many of the Founders envisioned a Supreme Being who was a “Watchmaker”. I don’t think that there was anything in the 18th century closer to Gene’s notion of The Master Programmer than a Watchmaker.

Jefferson took the Bible and took out all the miracles and other nonsense.He pared it back to a document about love and ethics that represented the course that he thought “The Master Programmer” or “The Watchmaker” set for us.

Even a radical atheist like me recognizes how critical this concept held by Gene and our Founders was for the establishment of democracy and tolerance in our country. We could all do well to revisit these ideas today. It’s also fitting given Gene’s recent political activism.

I know, you expected ducks from me, especially since this was originally going to be a beach event.But, Amazon couldn’t deliver them until Sunday. And, they represent my theology, not Gene’s.

So, these Jefferson Bibles are the closest representation of Gene’s theology that I can leave you with. Keep them as a rememberance of Gene’s wide ranging intellect and beliefs.Look at them.Keep singing “Hamilton”! Get a bumper sticker that reads “What would The Master Programmer Do?”, or maybe “What would The Master Programmer GO TO”. (Gene, you broke the loop and did the “GO TO 999” way too soon.)

I invite you all to contribute remembrances at Gene’s Memorial website. Tell a story.Post lots of pictures (esp. you Darren, you have the motherlode).

I send my love to you all and look forward to seeing you soon.

Today, the corndogs are on me! Or, as we Eurotrash boys say:“Aujourd’hui, les chiens de maïs sont sur moi!”

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