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In Memoriam
Kenneth Kennedy Hodge
Kenneth Kennedy Hodge Jr, age 67, passed away on January 3rd, 2023 at his home in Durham, CA.
Ken was born on April 30, 1955 to Dr. Kenneth Kennedy Hodge Sr. and Vivian Nygren Wortman in Colorado Springs, CO. After graduating from Mira Loma High School in 1973, Ken went on to obtain a B.S. in Agriculture at Chico State and eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Agriculture with an emphasis in Ornamental Horticulture. Ken was a proud member of Phi Kappa Phi.
It was at Chico State where Ken met the love of his life, Michelle (Shelly) Arago, who he married on August 16, 1980 and the two enjoyed 43 beautiful years together. Ken and Shelly went on to have four children, who gave them seven grandchildren.
Ken spent most of his childhood in Sacramento growing up with his dear friends Leslie and Susan, and his beloved sisters Corolyn, Denny, Jaqueline and Vicky. From an early age, Ken felt a deep sense of fidelity and responsibility towards his family. He started his first paper route when he was 10, and quickly realized he could double his money if he took on the delivery of two competing papers. With the money he saved up from this job, Kenny eventually bought a lawnmower and took on the maintenance of his neighbors yards until he accumulated enough to buy a truck, which enabled him to expand his reach. But Kenny’s very first employer and the source of his love for growing plants and food was his mother, who paid him for the veggies he would grow in the family garden. The outdoors became his favorite classroom, playground and workplace. Ken continued the landscaping business he had started as a teen into his post-college years until he and Shelly were able to start their own plant farm; Hodge’s Nursery was a dream come true and has been a local staple since it was established in 1984. The business is still proudly run by Ken’s wife and three sons.
He was a man of many interests. One of Ken’s most persistent hobbies was the chronicling of family memories through his photography and famous storytelling. He inherited the title of family historian from his mother, whom he admired greatly. Ken’s love for photography and unique generosity had him becoming a volunteer photographer for Durham and Butte College sports, the Durham May Day Parade and Picnic, the Almond Blossom Run, Girls on the Run and the Chico Hula Club.
Ken loved being of service to the community that supported his family and business, so he gave back in every way he knew how. Ken was involved with the Durham Sports Boosters, he donated and replaced plants annually to the 9/11 memorial in Chico, he gave trees, resources, guidance and time to the Patrick Ranch, he offered educational events and flora to all the local schools kindergarten through university and helped establish countless community gardens, he volunteered as a substitute grandparent at Durham Elementary School Grandparent’s Day, he sat on a variety of local agricultural advisory committees, and in 2014 received Durham Library Honors.
He was an active member of the California Association of Nurserymen (Northern Chapter). Ken was a member of the Master Nursery Garden Centers, and as a Master Gardener became an active member of the University of California Master Gardener Program. Ken skillfully popularized and demonstrated backyard orchard pruning technique for the common gardeners and was celebrated for his effective teaching methods. His passion for sharing the love of horticulture was remarkable and contagious.
Ken’s love for life had him pursuing fitness at an older age with the support and inspiration of his dear friend LeeAnn at Animal House Fitness and Training. One of his greater fitness accomplishments was participating in the 2013 senior olympics.
Camping and fishing near Medicine Lake and the California Coast with his sons, nieces and nephews formed some of Ken’s fondest memories. He took many unforgettable trips with his wife to wine country, Maui, Mexico and Tennessee to see his daughter and her family. The two also enjoyed hiking in Butte County, Mt Lassen and Red Rock near Las Vegas.
Ken is predeceased by his parents and survived by his wife Michelle Hodge, four children: Jeremy (Whitney) Hodge, Sarah (Pete) Parada, David Hodge and Daniel (Jessi) Hodge, and seven grandchildren who affectionately called him Papa: Tigris, Kitty, Ivy, Paxton, Marley, Revan and Piper. He is also survived by his sisters, step-brothers, many nieces and nephews, Uncle Wes and Aunt Nancy, other extended family members, and dear friends/his adopted family who will miss his infectious and joyful laughter along with the rest of us. Ken was a strong Christian man who loved the lord and kept his faith at the center of his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 18th at the Patrick Ranch in Durham.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Ken’s favorite charity:
The Well Ministry of Rescue (Chico Rescue Mission)
2012 Esplanade
Chico, Ca 95973
(530) 343-1935
We are very saddened by this news. Ken was such a kind and generous man. When the kids were in sports together, we received many pictures that are cherished in our albums and hearts. He will be greatly missed by us and many in the community, as well as his family and his friends. Please do not hesitate if you need anything from us.
So very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful man. May he rest with the Angels in Heaven. My prayers 🙏 going up to his wife and all the family. Sincerely Debra Everson
I loooove my Uncle Ken!! He was the best!! I will miss his stories and his contagious laughter. The best camping trip memories were ones he was there…Fort Bragg, the Redwoods. The world was a better place with Uncle Ken in it. I will miss him sooo much but will cherish the memories with him forever 🥹♥️
As one of those adopted by your family, my heart breaks for all of you. Ken was amazing in so many ways and he will be missed by all who knew him. I love you all very much and again am so, so very sorry for your loss!
Julie and I were both shocked and deeply saddened in hearing of Ken’s passing. I am without words. Like a hundred other friends, I’m sure, if there is any way we can help please let us know. We love you guys and will pray for you all.
I went to school with Jeremy and Sarah. Sending all my thoughts and prayers to your family. Ken was a great person who was loved by so many! You will always hold those special memories you had with him forever.
I have no words to express how deeply saddened we are to hear this news. Shelly, please know that the entire community grieves for your family’s loss and offer our bottomless thanks for all the kindness given so freely over the years by you and Ken. All our love and prayers for your comfort go out to all of you.
Shelly & family, I’m loss for words, Shelly, if you need anything please reach out, I m available anytime to drive you anywhere. I’m so sorry for your loss Ken was a great man that appreciated this family and friends, he will be missed by everyone.
My husband, Dusty worked for Ken for many years. He was in inspiration to Dusty. Ken encouraged Dusty to go to Butte college to study Ornamental Horticulture and even helped pay for it. Ken also encouraged Dusty to receive his Contractors License to install and repair sprinklers. Ken always put his family first and was a great friend to Dusty. Throughout Dusty’s an my lives, we have modeled our family after Ken and Shelly. Ken will be sorely missed. God rest his Soul. We send our condolences to his entire family.
Shelly and family, so sorry to hear about Ken. Saw him last at your nursery when I purchased some beautiful Purple Acacias to shade some of my driveway! They are doing well. I will miss seeing Ken when next I make it out there to buy more plants.
May God comfort you through this time
I was just ahead of Jeremy in school, but I also remember attending church with Ken, Shelly, and the kids! I loved Ken’s personality! He always seemed to be smiling! He was a source of joy to so many people!
Shelly, we’re so sadden to have learned of Ken’s passing. He was truly a great man and will be missed by all who knew him. May y’all find comfort in the Lord, not only now, but in the months ahead. Ken loved the Lord and what a joy that is, even in this time of sorrow and grieving. All our love to you and the family. Ps. 116:20.
I’m so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. I affectionately remember being a parent chaperon on a class field trip to Ken and Shelly’s nursery, with my daughter. They both were so kind to the children teaching them planting skills and touring the nursery with such passion for young minds and horticulture. Ken will be missed by so many in our small community.
O mercy sweet Shelly, Pastor Bud and I just learned of your Ken’s Upward Call from the Lord. Our heart’s are saddened for you and your family, we are praying for the Tendermercies of the Lord to comfort you all and walk so tightly with you through this difficult time.
We loved and admired your Ken for his faithfulness and integrity, his gentle heart of compassion and his strength of character.
With deepest condolences and prayers,
Pastor Bud and Janelle Chauvin
Shelly and family my heart is breaking for you. Ken was such a kind soul and we enjoyed so many good times together. Ken and Shelly were so supportive to me and Joan when she was fighting cancer. We had many great times and I’ve always cherished our friendship. Love you guys!!!
So sorry to hear this and hope you and your boys can continue to share on-line, the work he enjoyed. God Bless and keep your faith. Max Hodges
I am so sorry to hear about Ken passing. He was one of the nicest and kindest persons I have known in Durham.
I loved going to his nursery in Durham. He always helped me with my gardening adventures and he would always remind me of my boys climbing on the dirt mound at his nursery of which they did.
My sincere condolences to his wife Shelly and all his kids.
Miss Shelly
I’m so sorry to hear of Ken’s sudden passing. My heart is with you girl. I’m so sorry for your loss. Ken was a gentle giant in so many ways. His always kind and generous heart will be remembered by all
With love,
Mollie Macarthy-Openshaw ❤️
Uncle Ken, I don’t even know how to put into words besides…you were just absolutely the best (besides my dad) and I know you two are having a great time in heaven. You just made this world a better place. Thank you.
Shelly and family, my heart breaks for you. Ken was such a wonderful family man and pillar of the community.. i am privileged to have known him.. I look forward to celebrating. His life. You will be in my prayers💕
The news of Ken’s passing really left me speechless. I love the Hodges! Ken and Shelly have been such great community members, so giving of their time, money, and efforts to make this town a better place. I grieve for the loss of Ken and for his family and the heartache they are experiencing. I cannot think of a nicer man than Ken. He always took time to listen. He really cared about people and showed an interest in their lives. He was very “others-centered” in a world where most are thinking of themselves. He donated numerous hours photographing our children and community events and then graciously gave them to us all for free online. He helped with numerous projects at the elementary school throughout all the years his kids were there and then even after they were grown, he re-did the flower garden in front of the office and volunteered as a grandparent on Grandparents’ Day for students who didn’t have anyone there that day. He loaned (and often donated) plants for events in the community and was always present at his kids’ events and most community events. I will always cherish his friendship and hold his memory in high regard. I feel like these gloomy days of weather are because the light Ken was on this Earth is gone, but I take solace that he is shining up in Heaven. He was a Godly man who shared his faith and lived it out. He loved his family and was a great example to many. I have loved hearing his and Shelly’s love story and witnessing the bond they shared on a daily basis and at a few of their fun anniversary parties. I know I am not the only one who is going to miss this gentle giant of a man. He touched so many lives in such a positive way during his time on Earth. I pray for his family and friends during this difficult time and pray for a peace behind all understanding and solace that he is now with his Heavenly Father.💕🙏🏻 I, especially, pray for Shelly (his life partner and love of his life) who was by his side and every much a part of giving to our community.
What a loss to the community. I was fortunate to have taken a few workshops at Hodges Nursery given by Ken. I learned so much during those times. RIP Ken. I am so very sorry for your loss of husband, friend, and dad.
Very sad day!!! What a wonderful soul 🌈 He will truly be missed…
I am so saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. He has helped me countless times with my gardening, not to mention all of the gorgeous photographs he would take of my children doing sports at DHS and generously email them to me. I have super fond memories of accidentally running into the Hodge’s in Kihei and going outrigger paddling together! Bless you all during this difficult time.
Shelly! I’m shocked and so deeply saddened by this loss! Please feel my love and prayers for you and your whole family! You are a sweetheart and I hold you dear in my heart.
I did not personally know Ken, but personally purchased some trees from the nursery. Ken embodies and mimics
much of the same traits in life as I. His obit was one of describing “a life well-lived”. A jewel of a person who chose
his wife and career wisely. We need more people on the planet like Ken! May he rest in peace,
Ken was a gracious and patient plant expert that answered all my questions on any plant or tree..
He was so giving of himself in all of his endeavors from the nursery, hobbies, and community efforts. K n touched many people in his seminars, giving them much needed knowledge of each specific subject he taught and his many connections in the community.
Our Lord needed his expertise in the heavenly realm. His legacy lives on to all those he taught and hearts he touched!
I pray the Lord will comfort you and your family at this time. We loved Ken and will never forget his generosity towards our church at Calvary Chapel Chico. He would never let us pay for the many new trees we have planted around our recently developed playground, which serves the kids and families attending the preschool and K-8 school., Hope Academy.. I am very saddened to have lost a great friend in the Lord so abruptly but I also believe Ken is resting in the prescience of His savior right now. We are so sorry for your family and please know that our prayers are with you and your entire family.
Although I did not know Ken personally I always enjoyed seeing him out there, and admired his deep knowledge of plants.
One could feel his gentle heart when talking with him. He was so patient with people in his classes that I attended with my father whom since has passed away.
I will miss seeing him. It sounds like you all had a wonderful life together.
We are sad to here about the passing of Ken, but what a peace we can have knowing he loved the Lord! Our dearest sympathy to all of his family. Our prayers are with you all. Love the Gillmore’s.
Ken taught us how to grow small fruit trees in our tiny backyard. We will miss him!
Ken was a phenomenal teacher and a person with a heart of gold. For 20 years, I took my Fruit and Nut Production class to his nursery and was continually amazed by his skills in planting four trees in one hole and pruning them to produce fresh, organic fruit year-round. He would always generously let us taste the fruit. He will be deeply missed by myself and my students
Ken was so kind to us as novice Master Gardeners. He exuberantly welcomed us to help in his kitchen orchard at the Patrick Ranch. We learned so much from him about pruning and caring for trees, but most of all about kindness! We are grateful to have known him!