1928-2022
Arthur Dodd, Sr. passed away peacefully, age 94, surrounded by his family on October 19, 2022. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers, sister in-law, nephews, and niece.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, Yvonne Dodd, sons Arthur Dodd, Jr., James Dodd (Jill) and daughter, Lisa Morgan (Jeff), sister, Elizabeth Mooz (Peter), sister in-law, Marion Dodd, nieces, nephews and grandchildren, Annalisa Morgan, Dana Morgan, Christian Dodd, and Annika Dodd.
Born in Middletown, CT, the third of four children, Arthur attended Middletown public schools.
He entered Williams College summer of 1945 and joined Chi Psi fraternity. In three years, he completed a bachelor degree in mathematics at Williams in 1948. Flat feet kept him out of WW2, nonetheless the U.S. Army hastily drafted him into the Korean War where he served from 1950-1953 as Second Lieutenant, Signal Corp. He was stationed at Fort San Luis Obispo and the Presidio, San Francisco, CA. After the Army, he worked at his father’s lumber yard in Portland, CT for 2 years. He returned to California to attend Stanford Business School in 1955. He and 5 other biz-school-mates shared an apartment. When all six interned in San Francisco the summer of 1956, there were only five beds in the city apartment. Two swapped a bed which never got cold, because one worked nights. In November 1955 he met Yvonne, a senior at Stanford, on a blind date. When he picked Yvonne up at the San Francisco airport after her spring break in 1956, he realized he was hooked. In 1957, Yvonne (BA 1956) and Arthur (MBA 1957) married in the Stanford Memorial Church. They skipped the business school graduation the next day.
They moved to Southern California to start work.
The family man began with the birth of first son, Arthur, Jr., in 1958, followed by second son, James in 1959. His daughter, Lisa arrived in 1961. He moved to Santa Monica, CA, in 1964 to begin working for IBM selling 360 and 370 machines to large insurance and utility accounts with his business partner Perry Free.
Perry remained a lifelong friend. Arthur’s greatest success was bringing Pacific Mutual Life into the IBM family. He remained in sales versus management throughout his career which was unusual. He was a true sales professional achieving sixteen 100% Clubs and one Golden Circle award. He proudly displayed the IBM motto sign “THINK” on his desk at home.
One year making quota came down to the wire. On the last work day, into the last minutes, in order to timestamp a purchase order before the new year, he and his partner held the minute hand on the wall clock from moving long enough to finally get the client’s approval.
Santa Monica remained home for 58 years enjoying the Southern California lifestyle. In 1977 property was purchased in the Elk Meadows development near Ridgway, CO. This started summer treks into Southwest Colorado, and the Rocky Mountains with dear friends Jack & Marylou Lyons. He retired from IBM in 1991 and became a grandparent for the first time. He and Yvonne traveled the world, visiting seven continents. Antarctica and New Zealand were favorite destinations. Watching the grandchildren’s lives unfold brought immense joy to him. Conversations started with either travel tales or grandchildren’s happenings. His family and friends express gratitude for Arthur Dodd, Sr’s., life as son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend, and thankfulness of God’s Grace for his life everlasting.
Memorial to be held in celebration of his life, at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica, CA, December 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations:
National Parks Conservation Association
NPCA.org/give/memorial-tribute-giving In Memory of: Arthur Dodd, Sr.; Notification Recipient Name: Yvonne Dodd; Email:LMorgan40Love@yahoo.com
Yellowstone National Park
Attn: Finance Office, PO Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 Checks Made To: National Park Service or call Visitor Services: 307-344-2107 to give donation by phone.
