Kenneth D. "Woody" Woodbridge

Kenneth "Woody" D. Woodbridge
1948 ~ 2012
Kenneth "Woody" D. Woodbridge was born to Blanch (Fredricks) Woodbridge-Shaffer and Richard Dean Woodbridge on February 24, 1948 in Pocatello, Idaho. He was joined by his brother Dennis R. Woodbridge and his sister, Theresa A. Woodbridge (Holt-Kiramidjiam).
Ken lived with his parents a short time in Las Vegas, NV before moving to Boise where Ken attended grade school, Jr. High and High School at Borah graduating in 1966.
Ken attended and played football at BJC and was a member of the of the IK Golden Plume Chapter. He then transferred to the College of Idaho where he obtained his BA degree (later followed by his MA) in History and Physical Education. He played football and later was an assistant coach for the C of I Coyotes before joining the Idaho State Police and was stationed in Salmon, ID and Idaho Falls, ID as a resident officer. He later joined the Canyon County Sheriff's Dept. where he met and married the only love of his life Sue- they united a family of their previous marriages-stepdaughter Kimberly A. Helderman (Brandon), step-son, Jason A. Skelly; daughter, Emilie J. Woodbridge (Ben); step-son, Mathew J. Skelly (Sarah); and son, Andrew Dean Woodbridge (Theresa).
They made their home in Boise where he joined the Ada County Sheriff's Office. There he was in charge of the SWAT Team, created the Policy and Procedure manual on physical fitness for ACSO and later received rave reviews on his Thesis paper regarding consolidated law enforcement pros and cons from agencies all over the country. Ken retired in 2001 after dedicating 31 years of serving the public community and the great State of Idaho.
Ken passed away November 22, 2012 after battling cancer with his loving wife and best friend Sue holding him tight-assuring her he would go on ahead to make way for their reunion in life ever lasting. Ken and his wife Sue were constant best friends, lovers and companions from the beginning- never out of each others reach, enjoying their love and life for each other. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ken was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and parents; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his wife, Susan; his son, Andrew (Theresa) Woodbridge; his daughter, Emilie (Ben); his stepdaughter, Kimberly Helderman (Brandon), his stepson, Mathew (Sarah) and eleven grandchildren.
There are no words to describe Ken's life because to all who loved and knew him- he was life. He lived life large and to the fullest extent, always there for his family and friends. He had an extended hand for those who needed a hand. With a big grin he would say "How ya do'in- my friend", known to all as "Woody". There was no river, stream or reservoir he couldn't limit out with fish. He was an avid hunter of birds with his brittanys, Jock and Rocco; and wife, Sue were always his joy and constant companions. He was a great hunter always bringing home deer, elk, moose, bear and his goat, which shall forever remain in what is termed as his "Head Room".
Ken spent his last years of life creating by hand, canes and walking sticks for all who were in need- adding decorative gems from around Idaho and Oregon in Hell's Canyon where he polished and shaped starting with natural wood he would carve and shape.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Kenneth D. Woodbridge family, c/of Idaho Central Credit Union to assist with medical expenses and final costs. A foundation to the College of Idaho Football Scholarship Fund will be set up by his wife Susan in honor of Ken to be announced at a later date.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 30, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the P.O.S.T. Academy, 700 S. Stratford Drive, Meridian, ID 83642. Burial will follow at Dry Creek Cemetery. There will be a viewing for close friends and family on Thursday, November 29, 2012 from 6-7 p.m. at Summers Funeral Homes, 1205 W. Bannock Street, Boise.