Edward Michael “Mike” Woodard, 75, of Wheat Ridge, CO, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2021, in the presence of his loving wife and son. A previously strong and healthy man, Mike fought the battle of his life, but his body succumbed to the secondary complications of COVID-19. However, his life will always be remembered as one that was well lived and well loved.
In his 75 years, Mike lived an extraordinary life of faith and service. He was born on August 11, 1945, in Denver, CO, the son of Edward and Dorothy Woodard and grew up understanding the value of hard work and sacrifice. He graduated from Lakewood High School and went on to attend the University of Colorado in Boulder and San Diego State University. He was drafted during the Vietnam War and completed his formal education through the military in Avionics Technology. Mike was a proud member of the United States Marine Corp from 1969 – 1972 and received much recognition, including the National Defense Service Medal, Letter of Commendation Vietnam, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and the Rifle Marksman Badge. Mike was a proud Marine, living by the motto Semper Fi (Always Faithful), and his four years of service were character-building and foundational for a life of honor and integrity. Mike always said the Marines saved his life.
Mike had a long career spanning over forty years in the office equipment//technology industry. He began as a service technician for Xerox and through dedication and hard work moved into service management, eventually joining Automated Business Systems in Portland, Oregon as the Vice President of Service. He would later transfer to Alco Office Products/Ikon Office Solutions, where he worked in many roles and locations including VP of Field Service in the Western and Rocky Mountain Regions, and ultimately joined the national leadership team for Ikon as the VP of Field Service in North America. Mike retired from Ikon Office Solutions, but continued consultant work with Copier/MFP dealers nationwide. He then took a consulting position with Oasys, Inc in Washington and completed his career in 2016 as VP of Service at Knight Office Solutions, Inc in San Antonio, TX. During his long tenure in the office equipment business, Mike was an admired and respected colleague, supervisor and friend. He was esteemed not only for his expertise, but also his wisdom, knowledge, effectiveness, thoughtfulness, willingness to assist anyone seeking improvement, and most of all his humility. Friend to all, foe to none.
Since reconnecting in 2010, Mike and Mary have had an enviable storybook love. They were high school sweethearts, who dated for three years, and despite spending 45 years apart, they described the past eleven years as the most fulfilling years of their lives. Mike’s promise to bring her fresh flowers every week for the rest of their lives was fulfilled without fail. Mary feels blessed to have received so much love from the “love of her life” and even more blessed because Mike always made a point to tell her he felt the same way.
It was after he retired that Mike began spending his free time doing the things he enjoyed most. Mike was passionate about restoring and reupholstering hot-rods and was a proud member of the Ford Model A Club. Mike was also skilled in home renovations, including tile and metal work, bathroom and kitchen remodels, woodworking and laying floors. He was intuitive and creative, affording him the ability to build or repair whatever he was asked, even if it were something he had never done. Most recently, Mike and his grandson, Cedar, completely remodeled a cabin in Gunnison, CO, and Mike was thrilled with the opportunity to mentor and teach his grandson new skills. He was known for his meticulous and professional work; creating and leaving behind many memories in his impeccable craftsmanship.
An avid fly fisherman, Mike spent countless days on the river with a fly rod in hand. He also loved to camp, especially with his grandsons, Pace, Parker and Alister. He had a sense of adventure that led to many travels, including a two-month trailer trip to Alaska with Mary in 2016. He visited almost all 50 states, in addition to Europe, Australia and Russia and has lived in CA, AK, OR, CO, PA, TX and WA. He moved from TX back to CO in 2016 to be closer to his son, family and the large circle of friends he and Mary have established over the years.
Mike was a fun-loving man, who had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh. He promised Mary he would make her laugh at least once every day and he kept that promise. Those closest to Mike knew of his love for chocolate and that he thought it was one of the main food groups. He firmly believed a piece of chocolate should be eaten after lunch and dinner, and breakfast too, if we’re being honest!
Mike will be affectionately remembered as a gentle and loving man with a magnetic personality. He was adored by everyone he met and had the unique ability to make a connection with both strangers and friends. Though he lived an upstanding and honorable life, over the past year Mike had a renewed sense of faith in God and was recently baptized. Always a pillar of strength, he was a man who was open to share his wisdom, love and compassion with everyone who needed help or desired to learn. His legacy will live on in those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mike was a proud husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Mary Dutcher Madsen Woodard, of Wheat Ridge, CO; his children, Nicole Woodard Humphries of West Chester, PA, Jeffrey Judson Woodard (Shannon) of Golden, CO and former son-in-law, Scott Humphries of Downingtown, PA; his stepsons, Matthew Thomas Madsen (Sheree) of Adelaide, South Australia, and Zachary Adam Madsen (Katie) of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Jack and Jesse Humphries, and Alister Woodard; step-grandchildren, Maya and Cedar Madsen, and Pace and Parker Madsen; nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and many friends across the globe. He is preceded in death by his parents Edward Dean and Geraldine Dorothy Woodard; as well as his brother, Judson Woodard, and sisters, Judy Woodard and Denise Woodard Thompson.
In honor of their adopted grandson and all women who choose life for their unborn, the family requests donations be made to: Hope House of Colorado, 6475 Benton St., Arvada, CO 80003 www.hopehousecolorado.org/donate-now/ and Adoption Choices of Colorado, 2801 Youngfield St. #320, Golden, CO 80401, www.adoptionchoices.org.
Please add a memory or a personal experience you have of Mike. He lived a storied life so the family would love to hear how he touched you.
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