Lester Woodward

1932 - 2018

Lester Ray Woodward, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully in his sleep with family by his side, September 5, 2018. A funeral service will be held at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave. on Friday, Sept. 14, at 10:30 a.m. to be followed by a reception at the church. Les was born to Wendell and Mary Woodward on May 24, 1932 in Lincoln, NE. He married Marianne Martinson on December 27, 1958. He is survived by his wife, four children: Victoria, Richard, David, and Andrew, and nine grandchildren: Catherine, Kristina, Adrienne, Christopher, Sophia, Diego, Brandon, Annabel, and Anderson. Lester graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1953 and earned his law degree at Harvard University in 1957. In 1974 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Bethany College, Lindsborg, KS. Les was a Lawyer at Davis, Graham & Stubbs for his entire professional career beginning in 1957. He was a teaching Fellow at Harvard Law School in the academic year 1959-1960. He served on multiple Board of Directors including Bethany College, Denver Chamber of Commerce, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, Public Education Coalition, Citizens for Quality Schools, and the Board of Education, Denver Public Schools. His impact on the community is immeasurable and his legacy will extend well into the future. Les was active at Augustana Lutheran Church. He coordinated the acolytes at the church for 40 years, taught Sunday school, and served on the church's council several times. Les will be dearly missed, and fondly remembered by all who knew him for his humor, compassion, wisdom, generosity, and love of chocolate. Donations in memory of Lester can be made to Augustana Lutheran Church, The Denver Public Schools Foundation, or Lutheran Family Services.