Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
David Woods Obituary
Feb. 3, 1923 - May 11, 2012
Resident of Walnut Creek
David Kenneth Woods passed away peacefully at home on May 11, 2012 at the age of 89. He was born in Oakland, California to Charles Younger Woods and Anita Ruth Woods (Barry) and grew up in Berkeley, California. He graduated from Berkeley High School as a football and track star, having been a letterman in both sports before his graduation in 1940. David lived a full life that included 4 years of service in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a Radioman Firstclass in the South Pacific for 27 months and spent time on the U.S.S. Whitney, U.S.S. Olmsted, U.S.S. Lounds and U.S.S. Logan. Married to Lorraine Woods (Perry) in 1948 they settled in Walnut Creek where they raised their two children Jerry and Nancy. David's career included time as a Berkeley firefighter, Kaiser admissions office clerk, swimming pool contractor and after receiving his Master's degree in Education from U.C. Berkeley, he spent his years prior to retirement as an educator/administrator at both Loma Vista and Oak Grove Intermediate schools in Concord, Ca.
David and Lorraine enjoyed many years of their retirement at the beautiful home they built together in Albion, California. David enjoyed fishing, gardening and doing his beautiful artwork. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family whom he loved dearly. He was a dear good man, a gentle man and a gentleman. He taught us so much about life and how to see the beauty in the smallest of things. He gave far more than he took and his walk here on earth is a model to us all to get outside, make something grow, teach, love and cherish the roots as much as the branches. He shared a wealth of kindness, wisdom, advice and love for life with the many people he has touched.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lorraine, and his children Jerry Woods (Lori) and Nancy Milanese (Marty) as well as his 4 grandchildren, Gavin, Jessica, Ryan and Kyle. We will never forget all that you have done for us and all that you have taught us. Forever in our hearts...
Private family services to be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Woods
3 Entries
Peter Lujan
May 20, 2012
I was saddended to hear of the passing of Mr. Woods, who was my eighth grade teacher in Pacheco, CA. Mr. Woods came to Pacheco Elementary on what was probably his initial assignment in the Mt Diablo School District.
He arrived at Pacheco Elementary and almost immediately won over the class of some 22 students with his creative approach to education. Art which was not a particularly strong suit for any one of the students was inspired one day when we were dispatched to a grass field.
Mr. Woods instructed us to lie down and look up at the sky. None of us questioned his request and thought great, we do not have to study we can just relax. We were instructed to look up at the clouds and visualize images from the cumulis clouds above. "Can you imagine or visualize anything? Now I want you to sit up and draw what you saw."
It was his way of teaching us that all of us would experience and visualize different things. Once we put our vision on paper we were asked to explain what we had seen. The best part, there was no wrong answer, though the quality of the art may not have been of the highest quality.
I remember when he introduced Mrs. Woods to us one day and we all thought they were one of the most handsome couples we had ever seen. We all were lucky to have had him as a part of our young lives and he will be missed.
I have more stories to share with the family if someone has the time to give me a call. Because of my work, I was fortunate to never have lost touch with him and recall him fondly.
Peter Lujan - 925-837-8649
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
John Bedecarre
May 20, 2012
Dave was a really fine man...I worked with Dave at Oak Grove Intermediate and appreciated his friendship and support...we shared an interest in the "Guardian Acorns."
Hunter Church
May 20, 2012
I remember Mr. Woods from Loma Vista. He was a very sweet man.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in David Woods's name
Memorial Events
for David Woods
People and places connected with David
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support David's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor David Woods's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
