d Dodd was born in Ridgeway, Oregon in 1901, and came to Alaska in 1928 to work with his Uncle Tom in Kanatak at his general store. He also became a top fisherman on Bristol Bay, fishing from a sailboat. He brought with him two sons who were born in Oregon. George was born in 1926 and Robert in 1928. Ed moved to Anchorage in 1935 to become an entrepreneur in real estate, retail business, and politics.

Ruth Heverling, who was born in Vader, Oregon came to Anchorage in 1931 to work as a secretary at the Alaska Railroad Hospital. She and Ed married in 1939. Ed built the first large modern apartment house in town. He served as Police Commissioner, a member of the City Council, and President of the Anchorage Sportsmen’s Association. In his later years he was chairman of the Pioneer Home Advisory Board and was instrumental in the passage of legislation concerning pioneers.

Ruth taught in the elementary school for ten years. She was a life member of the Pioneers of Alaska, active in social clubs, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She loved history and geography and spent many hours preparing for her and Ed’s extensive world travels, including numerous cruises. Ruth also dedicated much time to assisting foreign students and Christian charitable organizations.

Ed died in 1981, and Ruth in 1994. Both are buried in Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery. George married and had four daughters. Robert married Carol Ann Harrison in 1957 and they raised five children. Tracy, the oldest, was Bob’s daughter from a previous marriage. Bob and Carol Ann’s four children are Kelly, Diane, Romney and Edward.
Ed and Ruth Heverling Dodd, 1939.     Ed Dodd with sons George and Robert.
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Ed Dodd, sons Bobby and George and Ed’s brother Tom Dodd at Tom’s general store in Kanatak, 1931.     Ed Dodd in new car at home, 705 H Street.
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Bob Dodd and wife Carol Ann at home, ready to attend her 50th Anchorage High School class reunion, 2003.
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Photo captions:
  1. Ed and Ruth Heverling Dodd, 1939.


  2. Ed Dodd with sons George and Robert.


  3. Ed Dodd, sons Bobby and George and Ed’s brother Tom Dodd at Tom’s general store in Kanatak, 1931.


  4. Ed Dodd in new car at home, 705 H Street.


  5. Bob Dodd and wife Carol Ann at home, ready to attend her 50th Anchorage High School class reunion, 2003.


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