Doug Bodkin
January 23, 1946 - April 18, 2016
Cpt. Lee Douglas Bodkin (Doug) was a kind, brilliant, and thoughtful man.
He was born in Fresno, California, January 23rd, 1946, to Dora and Lee Bodkin. In 1950 the family moved to Los Angeles, where they lived in Westwood, Palos Verdes, and Bel Air before relocating to the East Bay Area in 1960. Doug, a dedicated individual who pursued his endeavors steadily and without trepidation, joined the Junior ROTC at age 13. He graduated from high school at age 16, and enrolled at UC Berkeley that same year.
At Berkeley he continued with the NROTC, with a Marine option. The Navy recognized Doug's talent, and paid for his participation in the Flight Indoctrination Program (FLIP), which granted him a private pilot's license while in school. He graduated with a degree in Physics at age 19, commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marines. He then completed Naval flight training in Pensacola, basic and advanced flight training, US Army Airborne School, and finally deployed to Vietnam with the US Marines. He served there as a Captain, flying EA6Bs in electronic warfare suppression missions. He also rotated into ground combat as a Forward Air Controller alongside Korean Marine Corps.
It was during his time in Vietnam that he was lucky enough to meet his dearest companion and wife, Maria, who was serving with the American Red Cross at the Clark Air Force Base, Philippines. They spent the next year corresponding with 3" reel-to-reel tapes sent back and forth, saw each other for 15 total days, and became engaged at the famous Gaddy's Restaurant during an R&R visit to Hong Kong. They were married after their return to the United States on December 12, 1970. It was their 21st day in each other's presence. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this past year.
After marrying, the couple moved to Camp Lejeune, where Doug finished his service, and then to Leeds, England, where Doug obtained a Master's Degree in Environmental Control with the Fuel and Combustion Science department at the University of Leeds. Soon thereafter, they found themselves in Salt Lake City, Utah, which has been their shared home ever since.
In Utah, he worked in the field of air quality control for Cramer Company and then at Mountain Fuel. He joined the Utah National Guard, flying Cobra and Apache helicopters. In 1985 he redirected his career back toward his love of flying, returning full time to the cockpit as a Pilot for Continental Airlines. He retired as a Captain at the age of 60.
His flying allowed him to provide his family with the unique experience of travel, and he would devote his free time to exploring with his wife, and children as they grew up. Upon retirement, he continued to travel with Maria and his family, enjoying various fly-fishing destinations, and pursuing his passion for genealogy, often travelling throughout the USA, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, and other countries to research family history, even bringing some of his discoveries back to the Family History Library. He was a lifelong learner. He was an accomplished piano player as a young child, which budded a sustained love for music. Doug was also an avid reader in the fields of history, religion, science fiction, and science.
His seemingly endless patience, gentle demeanor, and capacity for kindness made Doug an incredible husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He died in his home on Monday, April 18th, surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by Maria; his son Nicolaas (Gabriel); his daughter Caroline (David); his brother Rob; and his grandchildren Calliope, Sappho, Fenric, Aria, and a baby girl who will arrive this summer. He also leaves behind extended family, friends, and former colleagues who admired and respected him. He will be greatly missed by the many who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 29th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are invited to use complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Utah Veteran's Memorial Park, Bluffdale at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to support early detection research for pancreatic cancer at the Huntsman Cancer Institute (http://www.skewright.org/donate/).
In Loving Memory
I guess Doug was my oldest (that is, longest-term) friend, as we met when we were both very small children. Although we were out of touch for quite a few years, we reconnected about 20 years ago. I was blessed to visit him and Maria in Salt Lake City at the time of his 70th birthday in January (2016). Doug was such a special man and a special friend. I shall miss him.
Ralph Barlow
Los Angeles, Ca
"Oh Captain, my Captain." I served with Doug in Vietnam with the Korean Marines. Last summer Doug and Rex Molihan, another Marine that was in Vietnam with us, came to Colorado for a week. We went white-water rafting and had a great time. We were looking forward to more visits. I am proud to call him my friend, and my Captain.
Scott Leis
Livermore, CO
Maria I am sorry to hear of your loss. I would like to f2f one give you a hug, but I am following your example and will be traveling t hours week. Hugs to you and your family.
Judy Simpson
Salt Lake City, Ut
DOug was my unforgettable friend. HIs sparkling eyes and gentle nature, brilliant mind and kindness will be with me every time I think of him. Maria, Caroline and Nicholaas, my heart goes out to you.You had the best in your father and husband. What a spectacular man graced us all by being here.
Mary Lynn Doyle
PRescott, AZ
Maria, Nick, Caroline - you are all in my thoughts and heartfelt prayers. I think of Doug with the fond memories and shared good times, as well as his being a true Renaissance Man. He was a loving husband and father., and a good friend to me and my family.
Kathleen Hoenig
Salt Lake City, Ut
There was something so unassuming and gracious in Doug's nature, that made him so pleasant and easy to be around. His intellect always abuzz, I loved any opportunity I had to learn from him and his many passions. Never intrusive, always inviting, thoughtful and kind, Doug was a gentle soul with so much to give. I remember when I graduated from high school and you all gave me an open plane ticket as a gift. I used it to fly home from college (to get my braces tightened, of all things - which, by the way, got them out of my mouth 6 months ahead of schedule – a huge gift for a freshman!). Doug surprised me in New Jersey, my connecting city. He was waiting for me as I exited the plane, just to say hi, and to make sure that the flights went as planned. I was so excited to see him. So comforted and at ease. I really felt special as he escorted me to my gate. As I think back to all my times with your dad, I realize this was a common feeling. He had a remarkable way of being present and making you feel listened to and cared for. I am so heartbroken that his life was cut short. I feel immensely blessed to have experienced your dad's love and spirit over the past twenty plus years, and know it will continue to brighten the world as you raise your beautiful families in his memory. With so much love, to each of you, and for Doug. He will be sorely missed.
Hilde Steffey
Belmont, MA
Our condolences to the family. May you gain comfort by knowing that God care so much that he promise at Acts 24:15 that their will be a resurrection. As you look forward to the days, week, go by may your loving memory of Doug stay in your heart. May God be with you during this time of sorrow.
SR
Atlanta, Ga