William Benson Woods

He was born on March 14, 1936, to Frances Benson and William A. Woods in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was raised in Loveland and went on to graduate from Loveland High School in 1954, and Colorado State University in 1958 where he met and married his wife of 66 years, Janice.

Col. Woods joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) in 1955 at Colorado State University (Colorado Delta), following in the footsteps of his father, William A. Woods (Colorado State ‘32). He quickly became dedicated to the brotherhood serving in chapter roles while playing football at Colorado State and serving in ROTC. After graduating in 1958, he continued to embody the True Gentleman across all aspects of his personal and professional life. He went on to receive a Master of Education from Trinity University and a Master of Hospital Administration from Baylor University.

His integrity was evident in his 25-year career in the U.S. Army, volunteering at the SAE Colorado Delta Chapter, the Colorado State University ROTC board, Colorado State University Alumni Association, as well as the Rams Alumni Athletic Association. He went on to serve SAE as a Province Archon, Committee Member, and Supreme Council, culminating as Eminent Supreme Archon (1999-2001).

After retiring from the military in 1981, he continued his career in Fort Collins, where he worked as the Office Manager at the Law Offices of Fischer, Brown, Huddleston & Gunn until his retirement.

Bill was a proud and loyal supporter of everything CSU so much so that at the request of Fum McGraw, he supervised the annual painting of the CSU “A” for over 30 years. Colorado State University recognized Col. Woods with the Jim and Nadine Henry Award from the Alumni Association for extraordinary service to the university. The Fraternity recognized Col. Woods with the Order of the Lion, Merit Key Award, and its highest recognition, the Distinguished Service Award (#110), for his unwavering commitment and dedication.

In the last ten years of his life, Col. Woods served on the board for Forever Military Officers, an organization that raises money to send former Vietnam veterans to Washington, D.C. to see and enjoy memorials and honors for U.S. military. While on this trip, the veterans receive a special jacket and a night's stay paid for in the area for more sight seeing the following day before returning home.

He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Gary A. Woods.

Col. Woods is survived by his loving wife, Jan, their two sons Gregory W. Woods (Colorado State ‘85) and Brad A. Woods (Colorado State ‘80), and their families along with his sister, Sharyl Johnson Harston.