Search by Name

Search by Name

John Woodward Obituary

John Cameron Woodward, Jr. Was a gentle man in the truest sense. He was soft-spoken with a warm heart and a great sense of humor who treated everyone with civility and kindness. As a loyal friend second to none, he kept cherished friends from his childhood throughout his life. He was born to parents John Cameron Woodward and Kathryn Hogan Woodward in Minneapolis, MN on Lincoln's birthday, February 12, 1922. He grew up in Beverly Hills, CA, and graduated from USC. He served a short stint in the U.S. Army, where he met his future wife, Army nurse Virginia "Nada" Watts. His career was dedicated to the automobile industry, culminating in owning his own dealership, WestOaks Chrysler Dodge, in Thousand Oaks, CA. As a man of civic virtue, he received many awards including being honored by the Thousand Oaks/Westlake Chamber of Commerce as "Man of the Year." John Woodward, Jr., is survived by daughters Ginny Hathaway and Nancy O'Connell; son John Woodward III; daughter-in-law Kathleen Woodward; sons-in-law Larry Hathaway and Bill O'Connell; grandchildren Jack "John" Woodward IV (15), Kathryn Rose Woodward (13), and twins Kathryn and Cameron O'Connell (13). Family meant everything to John Woodward. When his wife Nada passed away in 2004, at her service he said "In Spanish her name Nada means nothing, but to me she was everything." Your family and friends thought everything of you too, John. God Bless you. A Celebration of Life in honor of John Woodward, Jr., will be held at Las Posas Country Club, 955 Fairway Drive, Camarillo 93010 on Sunday, March 29 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on behalf of John Woodward, Jr., to St. Patrick's Episcopal Church Children's Chapel Renovation Fund, 1 Church Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Mar. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for John Woodward

Not sure what to say?





sharon rtitchie

March 30, 2009

Ginny, Nancy and John
Your father was a gem. I consider it my honor to have known him my whole life. Lucky for all of us our parents knew how to hold onto their friends. I send him bowls of peppermint ice cream into eternity

Jim Stoneman

March 28, 2009

John Woodward hired me 26 years ago as an upstart young parts manager for his young dealership. After going through 2 interviews, my thoughts were 'I have got to get this job - this is the nicest man I've ever met!'. I couldn't have been more right, and I never wanted to work for anyone else. I can't think of anyone, in or out of this business, that had more integrity than Mr. Woodward. And he was always 'Mr. Woodward' to all of us at the store, not by his wishes, but because we all respected him so much. Because of the way he conducted his business, took care of his employees and customers, how he treated vendors and factory representatives, and how he showed genuine concern for the community, I am very proud to say that I worked for Westoaks Chrysler-Dodge for the last 26 years. To Johnny, Ginny, Nancy, and the rest of the family, my heart goes out to you all. John Woodward, Jr. will be dearly missed by many, many people.

Evie Bystrom

March 28, 2009

Ginny and family,
Your father was a kind and generous man. It was a pleasure to work with him at the Chamber. My deepest sympathy goes out to you.

Dan Duir

March 28, 2009

It was a honor and pleasure to have known John. He was the genuine article, an honest person with a big heart and kind soul, something the world could use more of. He will be missed.

The Family of Jack W. Minor

March 26, 2009

John Woodward and Jack W. Minor met through their work in the automotive industry and became lifelong friends. Over the years they met for golf and later lunch, meeting halfway between their respective homes in Ventura County and Orange County, no doubt enjoying recounting stories of their times with Lawrence Welk. Jack spoke often and warmly of John. What a pleasure it was for one of Jack's daughters to meet John at a USC event last year and be able to tell him what he had meant to her father. We will always be grateful for the special friendship John and Jack shared. They have met once again ---- and probably are sharing stories of the good ol' days!
Blessings on you all.

TONY/SHEILA GAMBINO

March 26, 2009

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF MR. WOODWARD, IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME. HE WILL BE MISSED.

The Definition of a True Gentleman......

March 26, 2009

We will all miss your Bright Light & Contagious Energy!

March 26, 2009

March 26, 2009

John,

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family as you go through this very difficult time. John had a great sense of humor and was truely a classy gentleman. Having had the opportunity to work with John as a volunter at both Saint Patrick's Day School and Saint Patrick's Church was such a pleasure. He was so helpful and generous.

Jaon and Terry Jones

Charley Haley

March 25, 2009

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give" Winston Churchill

Thank you for all you gave Mr. Woodward.

March 25, 2009

March 25, 2009
My dear Uncle John,who was a role model for how a man should treat a woman. Chivalry was his middle name. A self-made man, he projected a quiet strength, compassion and the gift of giving...whether it was a helping hand, a listening ear,or his own wisdom. For those of us who truly loved him for who he was, he's left us with a big void. My cousins are blessed with having such a wonderful father and friend. I am blessed for having him as my dearly loved Uncle. Uncle John, you will always live in our hearts until we meet again.
Love, Judy

Karen and Des Phelan

March 25, 2009

Your father was one of the true Renaissance men. It was an honor to know him and work with him. Our hearts go out to your family.

March 24, 2009

The world does not realize that in John Woodward, it has lost a man the likes of which it will never see again. To just scratch the surface of who he was: successful, smart, kind, fun, selfless, generous, wise, loved to laugh, consummate family man, loyal-lifelong friend and such the gentleman; he always thought of how he could help and put others at ease. Dear, wonderful Uncle John - I miss you terribly. I thank you for your love, all the fun times and for being such a multi-faceted blessing to me and to all who crossed paths with you. Our loss is heaven's gain. Until we meet again you and Aunt Nada (the little lady with the big spark) will forever be in my thoughts and heart. Love, Michele

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in John Woodward's name

Memorial Events
for John Woodward

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support John's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
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
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor John Woodward's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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