Let’s Meet Bill

G. William Dodge. This former firefighter and long-time community advocate, enjoys his time with family, watching Toronto sports teams on TV, classic car shows and trips to the bridge for fries.

Bill Dodge lives at the Lodge in Forest. He celebrated his 91st birthday in June 2022. Before moving here, he lived most of his life in Watford, Ontario. He was raised with 9 siblings. Bill was a professional firefighter at the Ipperwash Army Camp Fire Hall, then at Toronto Pearson International Airport, and finally at the London Airport, where he retired. Bill exclaimed that working at the London Airport was like a “semi-retirement” for him, as he would see over a call a day in Toronto and barely got 5 calls in one year in London.

An old news article of Bill’s retirement. (Photo provided by Bill Dodge)

Bill and his wife, Maxine, were married for over 50 years and enjoyed travelling to places like British Columbia together. He was also an avid member within the local community. Bill was a Reeve, Deputy Reeve, Town Council member and volunteer firefighter for the town of Watford for several years. Bill’s involvement in his community was not just shown through his numerous hours of volunteer work, but also through his efforts at bringing Watford’s first ambulance to town. Bill went all the way to Queen’s Park in Toronto to lobby and bring back the ambulance for the community.

Bill’s time at the Lodge is full of music programs, socializing with all the staff and other Elders, enjoying the outdoors with his family or staff, and watching the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays play on television. Bill especially loves the special outings to the Bluewater Bridge for french fries, the classic car shows and the petting zoos.