EAST MADISON – Wayne “Skip” Thomas Hodgdon, 78, passed away Aug. 4, 2023, surrounded by family and friends who will all miss him dearly.

Skip was born April 11, 1945, to Thomas Hodgdon and June (Crocker) Mitchell in the town of Skowhegan. He was a proud graduate of Skowhegan High School, class of 1963, where he excelled as an athlete and was always a die-hard Indian, playing both football and basketball all four years.

After graduation he briefly lived in Connecticut before returning to Central Maine to marry the love of his life, Shirley Elizabeth Gould on Nov 12, 1966. They spent the next 55 years building their family.

After he returned to Central Maine he worked as a parts clerk for Napa Auto Parts. He then took a job in Bingham with Scott Paper Company for 19 years until he transferred to the SAPPI Paper Mill where he finished out his career of 40 years. He was a member of the United Steelworkers Local 4-1 and served a total of 12 years. Skip was the Union Maintenance Vice President for three years and Executive Vice President for three years.

As an all-around sports lover he played in several adult league sports including basketball, tennis, and softball. He played and coached the Giffords’ Softball Team for many years. You could also find him happily cheering on his son and daughter and five grandchildren as they pursued sports, dance, and cheering. Later in life he shared a love of snowmobiling with many trips up north and out west with friends.

As a talented musician he was inducted into the Country Music Association for his 13 years with the band, Briarwood. He shared his love of music with his family and a large community of country music fans. He traveled all over Central Maine performing country standards and contemporary popular hits with the band.

Skip strongly believed in serving and investing in his community. He was very proud to be a member of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge #2531 for 48 years and enjoyed helping with numerous lodge activities and supported all the many events. He became a Trustee in 2009 and was the Chairman of the Trustees since 2013. The comradery along with the brotherly and sisterly support was ever so important to him.

Skip was predeceased by his parents; his wife Shirley; and his sister, Terri.

Surviving family includes son, Stephen Hodgdon and partner Angela and her daughter Kassie of Pittsfield; daughter, Lois “Midge” Ouellette and her partner Mark Tulley of East Madison; five grandchildren, Charlie Mateo and her husband Jon of Virginia, Steven Ouellette of East Madison, Cassidy Sirois and partner Chris Dileo of Canaan, Breanna Sirois and her fiancé Tristan Roberts of Swanville, and Isaac Ouellette of East Madison. Other surviving family members include sister, Louise Johnson and her husband David, brother, Brian Mitchell and his wife Ellen, brother, Jay Mitchell and his wife Wendy; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins. He happily welcomed three great-grandchildren in 2023: Tatum Roberts, Jameson Dileo and Miles Mateo. These three boys were his favorite trifecta.

Skip never met a person he didn’t like. With his quick wit and warm heart, he made a friend with every encounter. The family would like to thank all his close friends for their love and support throughout the years.

The family would also like to thank Redington-Fairview General Hospital, Dr. Mark Doughty and his staff at Redington Medical Primary Care, the Harold Alfond Cancer Center, Northern Light Hospice and Homecare, and the Anson-Madison Ambulance service for all their care.

Final arrangements were made through Dan and Scott’s Cremation Service of Skowhegan. There will be no formal service per his wishes. Condolences can be left on the website https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/wayne-hodgdon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the

Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge #2531,

21 Silver St.,

Skowhegan, ME 04976

for Community Giving.

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