Wrangell Sentinel -

Bill Andrew Dodson passed away unexpectedly Jan. 8, 2014. He made his home in Edna Bay, Alaska for the past twenty years. He moved to Alaska in 1980, first living two years in Point Baker, then ten years in Wrangell before relocating to Edna Bay in 1994.

Bill was born July 3, 1947 to Vernon and Irene Dodson in Walla Walla, Wash. He was raised in Anacortes, Wash. and graduated from Anacortes High School in 1965. He received an Associate of Arts Degree from Skagit Valley College in 1968, plus a welding endorsement. He later completed OMC Stern Drive and Evinrude Service Schools in Tukwilla, Wash. in 1978.

He served in the U.S. Navy where he graduated first in his class in Millington, Tenn. and earned the rank of Airman 2nd class. He was stationed in San Diego, Calif., where he worked for four years on reciprocating engines for aircraft in a training squadron. He was honorably discharged Jan. 4, 1977.

Bill spent most of his life as a commercial fisherman, beginning in the seine fishery at the age of sixteen as the engineer on a boat his father skippered. He entered the troll fishery in 1978 out of Elfin Cove, Alaska and also spent some seasons long lining and shrimp trawling out of Wrangell, Alaska.

Bill was a past member of the Wrangell Lion's Club. In Edna Bay he was the former President of the Community Association and was formerly a Representative for the local Advisory School Council and local Fisheries Advisory Board. He joined the Edna Bay Alliance Church in 1996. His hobbies were rock hounding, faceting gem stones, and constructing custom jewelry.

Bill is survived by his wife of 43 years Jeanette (Thresher) Dodson; daughter Jesseca (Mrs. Jeremiah) Kirk of Craig; sons John Dodson of Edna Bay, Russell Morgan of Craig, and foster son Sonny LaCrone of Astoria, Ore.; grandchildren Skylar Rodocker of Edna Bay, Saphire Kirk of Craig, Daniel Kirk of Ketchikan, and Lilly Morgan of Sitka; one brother Michael Dodson of Anacortes, Wash.; one sister Patti Prater of Mount Vernon, Wash.; a nephew Jason Mann of Anacortes; nieces April Lightner of Mount Vernon and Adrienne Keech of Texas; two great nieces, Courtney Lightner and Lilah Keech; and brother-in-law Cliff Thresher of Kettle Falls, Wash.

A "Celebration of Life" memorial service, which included a slide presentation by the family and potluck dinner, was held at the Edna Bay Alliance Church on March 2, with Pastor Lee Grief officiating.

Bill will be remembered as a respected fisherman, a dedicated father, a devoted "grandpa", a loving husband and life-long companion, as well as a jovial friend. The family expresses their gratitude to all those who have extended a helping hand in this time of sorrow and need.