Christopher Woodward

1949 - 2015

Christopher Burnham Woodward

April 16, 1949 - July 30, 2015

Chris passed away unexpectedly while on a business trip in Connecticut. In his usual routine, he went for a morning run, after which he passed away from a heart attack.

Born in Pasadena, CA to Jean Oakley and Robert Dinsmore Woodward, the family moved to Orange County in 1959 where he graduated from Newport Harbor High School in 1967. During high school, he was a swimmer, water polo player and sailor, often crewing for his parents in their Penguin or PC class boats and had his first introduction to golf. As a Boy Scout and spending summers at the Oakley ranch in Malibu, he learned how to ride a horse and shoot a BB gun, developing his lifelong love of backpacking and exploring the wilderness.

Chris was a fourth-generation Cal grad, with a B.S. ('71) and an M.B.A. ('73). During college he served as the men's basketball manager and then scorekeeper. He was a basketball and football season ticket holder for 40+ years. He was as happy attending games at home and on the road as he was listening to the Berkeley student symphony at Hertz Hall. He was a camper at the Lair of the Bear (Camp Blue) for 30+ years. His Berkeley affiliations included Beta Theta Phi, The San Francisco Grid Club and Big C Society.

After Berkeley, Chris started as a Â'staff B' accountant at PwC. He made various career moves to Montgomery Securities, SunPower Corporation and Canterbury N.Z. Most recently he was serving on the Board of Directors at Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, Starwood Waypoint Residential Trust and the Phillips Academy in Alameda.

Chris' community involvements included North Oakland Little League coaching and umpiring baseball, mentoring youth and participation on the Boards of Directors at Bay Cities Youth Golf League and the Claremont Country Club where he served as a Director of the Mackenzie Society. A passionate walking golfer, he was proud of having a hole in one in both hemispheres. On his fourth passport, his travels spanned six continents, most recently hiking the Haute Route in Switzerland. He traveled extensively in the U.S., Europe, the U.K., Asia, Africa, South America, New Zealand and Australia.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 39 years, Susan Johnson Woodward, and sons Alexander (Elana), James and Andrew. He is survived by siblings Judith (Scott Archbold), Rick (Margot) and cousin Robin Nenninger (Bob Nugent), brothers-in-law Todd Johnson (Lisa) and Bradley Johnson (Patti) and nieces and nephews Katie and Brooke Woodward, David, Robert and Bryan Archbold, Jack Nenninger, Heath, Grant, Noel and Alexandra Johnson. He is survived as well by his beloved father-in-law Ray Johnson.

Above all, Woody will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, hearty laugh, devotion to Sue and his family and his many close friendships. He will be deeply missed by so many.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cal MenÂ's Basketball Excellence Fund, https://give.berkeley.edu/egiving/index.cfm?fund=FF0546000, or a charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. His ashes will be spread at a private family location. Go Bears!