Gregory Alan Hodge, 62, of Jefferson, transitioned peacefully on Dec. 10 on the hospice unit at the Togus VA, with his loved one Cynthia Bragg by his side. Gregory was born in Buffalo, N.Y. in 1952 and joined the Navy in 1969.
He loved to travel and had been to 17 different countries and 37 different states. He was an avid reader, loved to make things out of wood, enjoyed walking, bicycling, gardening, playing Omaha high low, swimming in ocean water over 75 degrees, and watching wildlife. He admired detailed architecture as well as large boats.
Gregory was passionate about freedom and liberties and selflessly showed up to carry the message of the individual on many issues in Augusta as well as in Washington, D.C. An accomplished conversationalist with an endless well of knowledge, Gregory was at home among those who shared his insights, beliefs and passions, as well as the most staunch opponents.
He was deeply involved with the Ron Paul campaign in 2012 and was elected as the state committee man for Lincoln County during the 2012 Republican Convention. He was wise in that he understood that power was not given lightly, but awarded to those who were willing to carry responsibility in a balanced manner.
He had the sight of both the eagle and the owl in that he could not only see through the deceits and lies of others, but also had a higher overall perspective. He possessed the ability to educate people who may have swallowed a half truth, while still remaining respectful of their viewpoint. He saw the abuse of power and stood fast in his convictions of defending the rights of the individual.
While attending public schools back in the 50s and 60s he would read his class book cover to cover in a short time compared to his school mates, and then skip class and go to the library to study what he wanted to learn. As long as he passed his tests, which he did, the teachers would allow him to stay in the library, since he was still in school and studying.
He loved early American history and was compelled to know all the history surrounding WWII since many members of his family died during that time.
In spite of the difficult and heavy subjects he would study and defend, he could keep a light perspective and those who knew him well enjoyed his naturally occurring humor. One could always look forward to a quip and his quick wit.
He possessed the keen ability to inject humor when no one else could, and even in his last days, many of the hospice staff would walk out of the room with a smile. It was through his humor that he could melt a heavy heart and helped many others stay balanced in the moment.
He cultivated his curiosity through living so many lives and accumulated a wealth of skills and knowledge. While in Maine he delivered UPS packages, stocked grocery store shelves, cashiered at a quick mart, built children’s outdoor wood play-sets, assisted his partner selling her handcrafted jewelry, delivered telephone books, and worked as a night hotel receptionist.
Before coming to Maine he had built homes in Florida, shingled roofs, drove a fork lift in a warehouse, ran the store at Hite Marina on Lake Powell, dealt craps at two different casinos in Las Vegas, sold paper airplanes in retail stores including on the island of Hawaii, worked with elephants and rides as a carney, worked with horses while in the Navy, and the list goes on.
He is survived by his faithful and loving partner, Cynthia Bragg, as well as a number of wonderful friends.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Fri., Dec. 19, in the chapel at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta. There will be a gathering for a celebration of his life at the home of Ginger Taylor on 11 High St., Brunswick, directly after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gregory’s memory at gofundme.com/gregoryhodge
