MILFORD –Gordon “Woody” Norman Woodin, loved husband, friend, mentor and hero to three ever grateful sons, said goodbye to his family and left this life to his well-deserved rest, Friday, November 20, 2020. His mother, Bertha Way Woodin and father, Clarence Woodin Sr. preceded him and were doubtless waiting for him patiently. Well, his father patiently, his mother would have been hurrying him along as best she could, having missed his always smiling face.
Graduating from Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park, New York, his hometown, Woody immediately signed up for the Army. A lifelong veteran, Woody served in the Army, Army National Guard and Air Force National Guard. Being sent overseas began adventures that would carry him around the globe, allowing him to see much of Europe. Hawaii, a high point of his travels, provided him the chance to see not only the island paradise, but to meet a favorite actor and visit the filming of a beloved TV series. After leaving active duty, he continued his military career in the National Guard, earning the rank of Technical Sergeant; he served with honor for 37 years retiring from the 101st Air refueling wing.
While serving, he earned an Associate’s degree in business from Beal College. Other notable positions he held included working for the Penobscot Times, and the Old Town Canoe Company, where he built world-famous canoes and sold them while managing the factory store. His most recent position at the Bangor Auditorium, turned into a head usher at the Cross Center in Bangor, which kept him busy for 27 years. He also was a 40 year member of the “Star in the East” Masonic Lodge #60, AF&AM.
His best loved journeys were always taken with his wife, Pamela Gwilliam, by his side. He met her while in the Army, introduced by her brother, Howard. After knowing each other for four days, Woody proposed, Pam said “Yes” and they went on to spend the next 52 years together; passing away peacefully by her side. Also with him were three sons, Gordon Bruce, Bryan and Tim; as well as Tim’s wife, Amanda Woodin; and Gordon’s fiancé, Jennifer Potvin. He is survived by his sister, Pam and her husband, Ron Dionne; his brother, Clarence Woodin, Jr.; his grandchildren, Reyanne Thibodeau, Blake Woodin, Samuel Woodin, and Lily Woodin; and he is greatly missed by his dog, Scout.
After a life well-lived, Woody went to his rest and was greeted by his beloved dog, Sasha, who even now will be curled up in his lap, Woody snacking on Canadian mints and popcorn, waiting for the next John Wayne movie to start.
A celebration of his life will be held in the spring so that the many, many people that loved and missed him will be able to say goodbye. Private burial with military honors will be conducted at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18