WOODARD, William "Woody" Joseph

Known as Woody by his students and Bill by his family, and many friends, passed away on July 21, 2021. He was born on May 4, 1943 in Bengough, Saskatchewan to William DeVere Woodard and Rita Margaret (O’hara) Woodard. Bill was the second son following his older brother, John and was followed by a younger sister, Mary Lee Ratican. The family were devout catholics and the boys frequently served as altar boys. In high school he played basketball for the school team and never lost his love for the game. After his undergraduate education, Bill taught and was Vice-Principal at St. Patrick’s Elementary School before moving to Regina to complete his education degree. During his time in Regina, he taught at Miller High School and coached the basketball teams. His two children, Kent and Penelope, were born in Regina. Bill joined the Canadian Forces Supplementary Reserve and took his family to Vernon while he worked at Camp Vernon during the summers. The Okanagan lifestyle appealed to him and he moved to Vernon to teach at Seaton and Kalamalka Secondary. He was popular with his students and coached the basketball teams. He was very active in the B.C. Teachers’ Federation. He went on to complete his Masters Degree in Educational Administration at Gonzaga University in Spokane. In 1999, Bill retired and for the last 16 years has wintered in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Bill was an ardent googler of current events, lover of history and travelled extensively throughout Europe during his lifetime. He religiously jogged, roller bladed or walked every day of his adult life. He was a great fan of Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball. Woody was an affectionate and wonderful partner to his constant companion, Carmen, for the past ten years.

Bill is survived by his sister, Mary Lee and her husband Wayne Coutts living in Saskatoon, his son Kent Woodard living in Thailand, his daughter, Penny and her husband Scott Barillaro and adorable grandchildren Lucas and Sophia living in Victoria.

Good night, sweet prince.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home; phone: 250-542-4333. Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com