Mike Hogge, a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, and craftsman, passed away unexpectedly on December 19, 2024 at the age of 66. Born to Winfred “Wimpy” Lee and Camilla Ann Rollins Hogge, Mike grew up in Hayes, Va., on Broad Marsh Lane, where he spent his youth running around playing with his brothers, cousins, and friends. Mike enjoyed living near his grandparents and spent a lot of time with them. Mike was a man of many passions and a heart full of love for those around him.
Becoming a waterman, Mike worked on a scallop boat before going to work for his father’s construction company, W. L. Hogge Construction. He then went on to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation (JYF), where he worked as a maintenance technician for 35 years and retired in September 2023. He was the lead carpenter for the Foundation, though he also covered all of the various facility trades after hours and was well known for his creative solutions. During Mike’s tenure, the museums expanded from 130,000 sq. ft. to over 290,000 sq. ft., and he remained the sole facilities carpenter covering all of the buildings. He was an essential part of the facilities staff’s preparations for the Queen of England’s visit in 2007 and the U.S. President’s visit in 2019. He was recognized as Employee of the Quarter in 2006 and received special recognition for his service in Hurricane Irene.
Mike’s life took a delightful turn when he met the love of his life, Becky, at JYF. What began as colleagues working together blossomed into a deep friendship, which eventually grew into a treasured, lifelong partnership. Mike and Becky were married at Christchurch School waterfront on October 25, 2008 and together they shared countless adventures, building a life full of love, laughter, and shared memories. His love for Becky was unwavering, and he was a true and doting partner who made her happiness his priority.
Upon retiring from JYF, and as an avid camper, Mike began his retirement with a small camper trailer which he made good use of by taking more trips to Virginia’s national forests and Virginia State Parks. One of his retirement dreams was to become a camp host at the Virginia State Parks, and he began volunteering his expertise at Belle Isle State Park on the Northern Neck, where he cleared the grounds of the manor house, the private gravesite, and completely renovated one of the ranger’s houses. Mike never met a stranger and was generous with his time and talents, helping family and friends whether it be providing repair work, a good meal, a ride, a joke, or one of his big smiles.
Mike did not like to be idle. In his free time, he enjoyed cooking, reading, fishing, playing Sudoku, listening to bluegrass, and taking care of his home. One of the things that brought Mike joy was his love for crafting model boats, a hobby he dedicated time to perfecting. He also found great delight in the simple pleasures of life, such as watching the hummingbirds and other wildlife that visited their screened porch every morning. For Mike, these moments of serenity were a reflection of the love and peace he cherished in his own life. He loved everything about nature and found peace being on and near the water or mountains.
He was preceded in death by his father, “Wimpy,” and brother Neal. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Hogge; his mother, Camilla Hogge; brother, Damon (Bonnie); brother, Douglas, and several nieces and nephews.
The memorial service for our beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle will be held at Groves Memorial Presbyterian Church, 9117 Glass Road, Hayes, Va. 23072 on Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 11 a.m., followed by a reception in the fellowship hall.