Herbert James Hodge

Herbert James Hodge, 94, of Fairlee, Vermont passed away peacefully at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center on December 20th, 2022 after a period of declining health. Affectionately nicknamed “Herbie”, he was well-known in the agricultural and local communities, and a beloved lifelong resident of Fairlee. Known for his unwavering positive outlook, and unequivocal ability to connect with others, he did not meet a stranger in his life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, devoted steward of the land, and above all, a friend to each person that he came into contact with.
Herbert was born in Hanover, NH on February 16th, 1928 to father, Avery and mother, Mary (McIndoe) Hodge. Not one for typical schooling, Herbie’s main educational source was the land, the teachings of his father, and the family of long-time best friend, Joe Cramer. The days of Hodge’s youth were spent getting into mischievous adventures with Cramer, and the two loved recounting their tales to anyone that would listen. At the age of 16, Hodge left Bradford Academy to enlist in the United States Navy. Hodge, a Seaman aboard U.S.S Little Rock from 1946-1948, voyaged around the world on a Good Will Tour after the final bomb fell. He spent time in South Africa, Italy, and England, helping to clean up areas devastated by war. Hodge was honored to receive awards from the Vermont Veterans, as well as the Veteran’s Association for his service. He was incredibly proud of his time in the Navy, describing it as eye opening, and felt exceptionally fortunate to help others while witnessing the beauty of God’s creation.
When his service time was over, Hodge returned to the family farm, and rejoined his friends in the local social scene. He was a frequent presence around town at parties, and weekly dances. At one Saturday night dance, while wearing the now infamous “red shirt”, he would catch the eye of, and meet the love of his life; Beverly Fadden of Piermont, NH. The two soon began dating, and Beverly made quick work of taming Hodge’s wild ways. Many dances later, Hodge proposed marriage and Beverly said ‘Yes’—on the condition that a house was built for her. Herbert got to work and did just that. The couple married on August 4th, 1951 and began what would be a 70-year marriage and family business as “Farmer Hodge’s”. Through many years of success, hardship, sorrow, and happiness, Herbert lived each day to the fullest, and was the quintessential Vermont farmer that lived by the will of the seasons.
Herbie was a weekly patron of the Fairlee Community Church of Christ and cherished the community and fellowship that he found there, attending many fundraisers, and social functions. Hodge was also deeply involved in many other organizations throughout his life; the Grange in his younger years, a young incorporator of the Wells River Savings Bank, a member of Yankee Farm Credit, a member of the Orange County Farm Bureau—receiving the Century Award for the family continuously farming since 1846. He was involved with the Holstein Assoc. of America receiving an award for being a 40 year member and was a member of the Agri-Mark Cooperative, Orange County DHIA, and Genex CRI-Cooperative, all of which awarded the farm with numerous Herd and Milk Quality/Production Awards throughout the years. Hodge loved being a part of these organizations and groups because it meant there would be chances to socialize throughout the year with friends in the community. He took great pride in the farm’s appearance, and as a result, the family received the Dairy of Distinction award for many years in a row. Integral to the fabric of the farm’s success was the tireless dedication of his family, as well as friends that became family. The Ordway family of Fairlee, and in particular Priscilla Jorgensen (Ordway) was a large presence on the farm for decades, and Hodge loved each of them as his own.
Herbie lived life with undying optimism and kinship. “Keep smiling”, was a phrase he could often be heard saying. He spent hours calling people on the phone to see if they were well, and to catch up on life. He lived with a passionate love of music; blasting tunes with the windows rolled down, catching the air with his arm stretched out—singing anything he could pretend to know the words to. Always looking forward to the next concert on the green, a dance at the town hall, or a favorite show on RFD-TV. He lived for the joy in life until the very end, including a hot air balloon ride at 93 years old, a pontoon trip down the Connecticut River, and even learning a few new instruments to play along with Roy Clark on “Hee Haw”. He lived his whole life with a smile on his face and mischievous twinkle in his eye—always ready to laugh at the next joke, make up a few words, and share a story that was rarely ever quiet. Tremendously proud of his family, his farm, his friends, and his country, he lived for these connections that bound him to the rest of the world.
Hodge, predeceased by his wife, Beverly, father, Avery, mother, Mary, and his three siblings. Survived by, daughter, Cindy Frazee and husband Russell Frazee, daughter Jody Hodge and partner Tim McCarthy, grandchildren Maegan Flowers and husband Stephen Lembke, Mark Frazee and wife Kayla Frazee, Matthew Frazee and wife Sarah Frazee, Noah Frazee, Shaun Frazee, Nathan Frazee and wife Allison Frazee, and six great grandchildren. A memorial will be held 2/18/23 at 2:00pm at the Fairlee Congregational Church 55 Town Common Road in Fairlee. A celebration of life for both Herbie and Bev will be held in August 2023, with more details to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Herbie Hodge can be made to the Fairlee Community Church of Christ PO Box 304 Fairlee, VT 05045