Roy Lee Woods

Roy Lee Woods died peacefully on February 25, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by his loving family. Roy was born July 2, 1955, and raised in Taos, New Mexico, by his parents Jack and Donna Woods. A cowboy and an architect, Roy was the son of a Taos artist and was deeply influenced by not only his dad's work, but also by his family's ranching heritage and growing up in New Mexico. These experiences led him to pursue architecture at the University of New Mexico, where he earned his degree while working as a ranch hand. Roy then built a life for himself in Santa Fe, raising three children, establishing an architectural practice, and spending countless hours with his horses and livestock.

For forty years Roy owned and operated Conron and Woods Architects in Santa Fe. The firm's work took him to every corner of New Mexico in a practice that included historic preservation, new construction, ranch architecture, sustainable and accessible design, and public buildings. Roy's significant projects include the Palace of the Governors, the New Mexico History Museum, the Taos County Courthouse, the Doña Ana Village, and the Kit Carson House in Taos. He also worked on numerous projects at Ted Turner's Vermejo Park Ranch, most notably the complete restoration of the 1910 Casa Grande.

Reflecting his deep appreciation of New Mexico's landscape, Roy designed numerous ranches that often extended beyond the home itself to include conservation, historic documentation, and site planning. He designed the new visitor center and museum at Philmont Scout Ranch, and contributed to the development of one of the largest rammed earth structures in the world, the Public Employees Retirement Association headquarters. Roy also worked with the State of New Mexico on numerous projects that improved buildings throughout the capital area, including the State Capitol, the Villagra Building, and the Manuel Lujan Sr. Building.

Roy had a lifelong love for animals and ranching, and spent much of his time with his family raising cattle on their ranch in Carson, New Mexico, and elsewhere. Above all, Roy was a dedicated father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He worked selflessly and tirelessly to support those around him and ensure their well-being. He was known by many for his exceptional kindness, integrity, generosity, intelligence, faith, and unparalleled work ethic. The unconditional love and stability he provided his family will continue to guide them for generations to come.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Donna Woods. He is survived by his loyal dog, Cody; his three children Caitlin Woods, Stephanie Brown-Woods, and Michael Woods; his sisters Jackie Jo Woods, Belinda Flamm, and Kathie Woods; and his three grandchildren Cooper Catanach, Harper Woods, and Lyla Woods. Roy will be profoundly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Roy's name to the Lustgarten Foundation (Lustgarten.org) in support of pancreatic cancer research.