Robert Alan Woodard

In his own words, published in the “1973 Nassau Herald” (the class yearbook) at Princeton, this is how he saw his life as he was graduating from college:

"The firstborn of Bob and Marion Woodard made his way into this world on January 28, 1951, during the worst snowstorm in the history of Jackson, Mississippi. Oklahoma City, Shreveport, Denver, and Calgary, Alberta, have all been home for Al at one time – Cannon Club and the K.I. have served in that capacity the past four years. Al “prepped” at East Denver High, and proved to himself upon admission to Princeton that it was yet possible for a boy of humble family origin to move up in the world. Thanks to the influence of Golden, Perka, and the Circus, however, Al was shown the error of his ways, soon becoming a disciple of space rather than time. His unfortunate interest in people called him to the Sociology Department, where Mel Tumin channeled his energies into a thesis on Doodlebuggers as a Deviant Subculture. Transcendental assistance was given by Vic Preller and Henry Reed; Doc and Max were Al’s pillars of spiritual strength. Pharoah Sanders, Gato Barbieri, Weather Report, and John Coltrane made everything more bearable; Robert Crumb and S. Clay Wilson provided Al with meaningful insights into reality. Upon graduation, Mr. Woodard can probably be reached somewhere along the Antelope Freeway. "

Alan left out a few things in the above passage. When his family moved to Denver when he was in third grade, Alan was already an outstanding student and athlete at Parkhill Elementary and he made friends quickly, despite a strong Louisiana accent. He went on to Gove Junior High and East High, from which he graduated in 1969. Always busy working before and after school, he shoveled walks, had a paper route for years, worked at Dolly Madison and at Cherry Hills Country Club. He formed a band called the “Remaining Few,” where he played the drums. They even had paying gigs. At East, Alan was very active. Football. Concert Choir. Angelaires. Pre-law. Student Government. Theatre. He was Head Boy and Quarterback his Senior year, as well as a Senior Scholar.

Alan was a doting older brother to sisters Pat and Peggy. He took his sisters to their very first live concert. While the girls had stars in their eyes for The Monkees, Alan enjoyed listening to their opening act much more, an unknown at the time, Jimi Hendrix.

At Princeton, he always worked 2-3 part-time jobs to help pay the tuition. He did everything, from picking up dirty laundry to running the Student Refreshment Agency. Alan always said he worked more than he went to class. He wrote his senior thesis while bartending, and he graduated cum laude in 1973. He was the last President of Cannon, an eating club. You can imagine his retort when the University announced plans to shut down Cannon and turn it into the Center for Population Research. He had his own radio show at WPRB, centered on jazz, called “Antelope Freeway.” He always enjoyed going to NYC jazz clubs to learn from the best. He was a prolific letter writer with the tender heart of a poet. He kept in touch with friends far and wide.

After graduation, Alan moved back to Denver and looked for work. He drove a cab for a few months before landing a job at Champlin Oil Company, a division of Union Pacific, as a Landman. He quickly rose through the ranks and went to the University of Denver Law School at night, while working during the day. That schedule was very difficult for his first marriage to Cheryl Brand, and they divorced. He earned his Juris Doctorate from DU in 1980.

An independent oilman from Midland, Texas named Clayton Williams, Jr. lured Alan away from Champlin and he joined the Denver Division in Larimer Square in 1981. The oil patch is a roller coaster, and they had some great years. By 1985, Alan was the Division Manager but it was a bad year for the oil and gas industry and soon he had to shut down the office. He vowed never to have to lay anyone off again, and he became a sole practitioner until his recent retirement.

Alan reconnected with Elizabeth Fisher Gower, whom he always called Lizzy, an old friend from East High School who had a 12 year-old daughter, Vanessa from her first marriage. Beth and Vanessa were living in Reno, NV when Alan and Beth reconnected in person after years of sporadic communication. Alan proposed marriage to Beth, they married and he chose to be father to Vanessa on October 9th,1982. Vanessa was lucky to have a bonus Dad in Alan and will be forever grateful for all the life lessons, music, food, and places he introduced to her.

Lizzy and Alan moved to Golden in 1986 where Alan soon became active in the local Lion's Club International. He volunteered for over ten years and took his turn as President from 2009-2010 and only left the organization because the physical demands became too much. Alan was grateful for the many lasting friendships he made as a Golden Lion.

Alan was a loving Granddad to Madeline Rose, daughter of Vanessa and Bob. As a 30+ year season ticket holder of the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, Alan loved to share his love of the American West with friends and family, especially Maddie. She started attending with her grandparents at 2-years old and soon made it a goal to join Westernaires, the Jefferson County precision horseback riding team who often rode at the Rodeo. She joined Westernaires at 8 years old and for the next 9 years, Alan loved to watch practices and shows and was always one of the biggest supporters of any fundraiser in which Maddie participated. He and Beth were there to celebrate milestones big and small throughout Maddie's life and his legacy will live on in her.

The family always had at least one dog and they were a big part of their exercise plan over the years. Alan played softball for years, enjoyed watching DU Hockey, and all the college and professional sports. He especially loved watching Maddie become a proficient horsewomen through Westernaires. Alan preferred the freedom and space of a road trip over plane travel, although he acquiesced for his Lizzy. He even drove his Corvette in a nationwide caravan to the opening of the National Corvette Museum in Kentucky. Alan was hoping for more travel and hobbies in retirement but falls and illnesses prohibited seeing people and participating in so many of the activities he once enjoyed.

Alan's long-standing work ethic extended into retirement. He enjoyed his philanthropic work, Woodard Family Trust activities, and keeping up with politics and current affairs. He loved and was proud of all his nephews and nieces and enjoyed family time and watching everything from soccer practices to school concerts. We were all so happy when Alan got to meet his latest grand nephew in early April. His last pet Rowdy, a Golden Retriever died 9 months before Alan. He was a dedicated and loyal Pet Dad who gave his all for his pets' health and happiness.

We will miss Alan’s love and friendship. Lost is his big voice, humor, generosity of spirit, his quick mind and bear hugs. He was always willing to help people in matters small and large. He fought mightily through his cancer treatment, and he no longer suffers. We are eternally grateful to family and the ABC caregivers for their support of Alan and his Lizzy these past many months, and for the many friends and family members who kept in touch with support and love and prayers. Alan felt your love and expressed his gratitude for you constantly. His journey along the Antelope Highway wasn't as long as we had hoped, but we are grateful for his life, his legacy, and his love.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alan’s name to East Angel Friends and Alumni Foundation (EAFAF), designated for the Scholarship Program. Their address is P.O. Box 6015, Denver, CO 80206.

There will be a private family service on June 4, and a Celebration of Life on June 5 at the Buffalo Rose in Golden from 2-5 PM. Please see the link to the evite below and RSVP. His resting place will be in the Golden Cemetery.

http://evite.me/xK231tv74u