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Valin Ridge (Woody) Woodward Jr. COL, (RET), a longtime resident of Albuquerque, died at home on Thursday, September 10, 2009. He was 89. He is survived by his wife, Catherine; step-children, David Whittier and wife, Maya of Vancouver, B.C., Darren Whittier and wife, Theresa of Red Deer, Alberta, Joanne Whittier of Victoria, B.C., Douglas Whittier of Victoria, B.C.; step-grandchildren, Pico, Jessica, Ashley, Taro and Shoji; four step- great-grandchildren; brothers, Morgan Woodward of Hollywood, CA, Dr. Lewis Woodward and wife, Shirley of Modesto, CA, Lee Woodward and wife, Amelia of Tulsa, OK; sister-in-law, Louise Woodward of New Braunfels, TX; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Woody was preceded in death by his first wife, Meg; and his brother, Dr. Stanley Woodward. Woody was born in Fort Worth, TX and graduated from the University of Texas, Arlington. His father, Dr. Valin Ridge Woodward Sr., expected him to continue the family tradition and become a medical doctor like his father, grandfather and great, grandfather before him. Woody had other ideas however. His passion was flying and so he followed his heart, joined the Army Air Corps and began his very distinguished career as a pilot in the US Air Force. During his 28 years of military service he flew gliders, fighters, bombers, and jets. He is known for landing the first single engine jet at Kirtland Air Force Base and setting cross country speed records as a test pilot after having fought in WWII flying bombers. His last assignment before retiring in 1968 was Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force for Research, Development and Space. This led to many years of diplomatic experience in Washington D.C. and Europe. After retiring from the Air Force as a full Colonel he was hired as Manager of Hughes Aircraft International in Germany where he also served on the US Ambassador's Business Advisory Group and served three terms as President of American Businessmen's Club, Bonn, Germany. When Woody and Meg moved back to Albuquerque they established their own business which they operated for 26 years until Meg's death in 1996. As a businessman in Albuquerque Woody became involved as a leader in many organizations including the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Albuquerque Chapter Air Force Association, President 1978-86; the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of New Mexico 1982 - 1997; the Governor's Business Advisory Council - 1991; the Rotary Club of Albuquerque, member since 1974, President in 1980; fundraiser for the Lobo Club for 30 years, member of Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church for 30+ years. His many awards include the AFA National Medal of Merit 1984, M.A.C. Distinguished Citizen's Award 1984, induction to the Military Hall of Honor of the University of Texas, Arlington 1987, Rotary Living Legend 1990, the Steve Schiff Award 1999-2000 by the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and named as a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Texas, Arlington 1999. During his long life, Woody established lasting friendships wherever he went, was known for his quirky sense of humor, and his leadership qualities. He leaves behind, for all who knew and loved him, many wonderful memories. The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2009, 10:00 a.m. at Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8600 Academy Road NE, Abq., NM 87111. Internment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Friends may visit on Thursday evening, September 17th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at French ~ Wyoming Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Please visit our online guestbook for Woody at: RememberTheirStory.com French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
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