Robert R. Hodge

COLEBROOK – Robert Rollin Hodge, 80, passed away at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin, surrounded by family, on Sunday evening, December 5, 2021, after a short illness. He was born at his grandmother Bessie Hodge Eastman’s home in Colebrook on July 30, 1941, to the late Rollin Hodge and Doris (Wright) Hodge Decker Wager. He attended the one room Whittemore School in East Colebrook and then Colebrook Academy, while still being on the family farm. Robert started working at Stratford Plywood Mill for Allie Salls and then went to work at the Forbes Farm in East Colebrook. Robert operated a rip saw and glue wheel at Ethan Allen Factory in Beecher Falls. With never an idle moment, he also laid dynamite for Robert Shaw’s construction with Bruce Grover and Gordon Smith. As a young man, he butchered for the local county farm for the residents’ meals. He was a bit of a jack-of-all-trades and burned the candle at both ends as his family grew and he established a farm of his own. He filled a barn full of cows, but didn’t quite make the dozen kids that he always wanted. He took great pride in teaching his children and grandchildren how to care for and grow their own food. He was kind and generous, especially with his garden produce. Robert enjoyed showing his children and grandchildren the art of farming while watching them grow. You would often see a twinkle in his eyes. He was happiest outdoors and liked going fishing on the brook while spending time at camp playing cards with family. He always had a treat from the freezer for the children, no matter their age. After Sunday morning dump runs with Freeman, you would often see the familiar red pickup with Robert’s signature white beard behind the wheel, traveling back roads to properties visiting with family and friends. On his 80th birthday, Robert got to dance the first dance, “It’s a Heartache”, with his sister Judith (Jude), his nickname for her; then continued on dancing until the music stopped. He loved music and kept the zest for life right to the end. A well-known icon in the community as one of the last dairy farmers in Colebrook, Robert was the epitome of a generation of hardworking New England farmers that is rapidly disappearing. He will be remembered for his vocal opinions on local politics at Town Meeting every year. Robert would give the shirt off his back to help a fellow neighbor; no doubt there are countless stories that will be told at Mohawk Grange chicken pie suppers for years to come. He always liked to have people stop by the farm to reminisce and tell milk house stories. Many people cared for Robert and hold a special space in their heart from times shared with him. Our dad will be greatly missed by all of us. He is survived by his children: Carol Hodge (late Larry), Lisa Mako (Gregory), Sally Jane Hodge (significant other Russell), David Hodge (Rebecca), Nathan Hodge, Faith Hodge (Job), Crystal Hodge (Andy), and Dawn Paul (Troy); by his sisters, Judith Tipton (Richard) and Jennifer Hodge (Mark); grandchildren, Karen, Bridgett, David, Cedric, Jesse, Hannah, Bryana, Garrett, Hale, Aurora, Austin and the late Bryan; and his great-grandchildren, Eli, Aurelina, Kayden, Kaylee, and Braelynn; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and Suzanne Piper, a close companion. There are no public calling hours. A graveside interment will be held in the Colebrook Village Cemetery on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 11 a.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Robert may be made to the Mohawk Grange #217, c/o Treasurer Y. Burrill, Merrill St., Colebrook, NH 03576; or to the Coös Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 345, Colebrook, NH 03576 strictly for the kitties by Robert Hodge’s orders. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home.

Robert R. Hodge

July 30, 1941 - December 5, 2021