Woodrow J. Bozak

Woody Bozak passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 9, 2015 at the age of 90. He was born to Jacob and Sofia Bozak on August 23, 1924 at their home in Hoquiam, Washington. Woody graduated from Hoquiam High School in June of 1942, when he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18 years. He was a World War II Veteran and served as a LCVP Engineer in the South Pacific. While the world was at war, Woody corresponded with the love of his life Dee VanCleve. Woody later married Dee at her parent’s home in Hoquiam on May 20, 1945. Woody received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Washington, and was a lifelong Husky fan. He received his Master’s Degree from Oregon State University and later obtained his Principal Credentials. Woody obtained his first teaching and basketball coaching position at Elma High School in 1952.

He moved his family in 1955 to Lacey, Washington and taught math at North Thurston High School when it first opened. He later became the head of the math department as well as an award winning basketball and golf coach. He became a Vice Principal at Timberline High School when it opened in 1971. Woody retired in 1982 and went into real estate and later became a contractor who built and sold his own homes before he finally retired in 1993. Woody was an avid and excellent golfer and enjoyed weekly games of golf with friends and family.

Woody was a loved and cherished father and grandfather. He was a steady and caring influence in his family’s life as well as the lives of many others, and he had a great sense of humor. He was also a long standing member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Lacey, Washington. He was preceded in death by his wife Dee and survived by his five children Susan Bryan, David Bozak, Judith Welever, Donna Reising, Robin Riley, 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild as well as his older brother Ted Bozak.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Lacey on August 22, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in his name.