Obituary
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Bruce L. Woodard Sr.

Date of Death: July 30, 2024

Date of Birth: June 17, 1930

Biography:

Lewiston- It is with much sadness and heavy hearts that the family and many dear friends of Bruce L. Woodard, Sr, say good-bye to this amazing man. At age 94, Bruce passed away Tuesday, July 30th, after a brief hospital stay. He was born in Auburn, ME, June 17, 1930, the son of the late Linwood P. and Marjorie B. (Small) Woodard.
Bruce attended Edward Little High School where he participated in several sports and became an outstanding member of the ski team as a jumper and cross-country skier. After graduating from ELHS, he spent many of his early years as a counselor at the YMCA on Turner St. in Auburn. His grandsons, Tony and Eric, were fortunate to have him live with us for many years. They were able to enjoy the stories he loved sharing and especially those about playing sports and his time spent at the YMCA. He felt a special closeness sharing these since Eric now works at the YMCA. Although he spent most of his life living in Lewiston, and the last 20 years in Wales, he always considered Auburn his hometown, still rooting for the Red Eddies every chance he got.
Weekends, Bruce loved going to NASCAR and stock car races or watching them on TV when he couldn't be there in person. He loved anything that allowed him to be outdoors. Even when he wasn't working, he loved to be driving, often taking weekend trips to North Conway and the Kancamagus Highway. Those that know Bruce understand his retirement was very short-lived. His remarkable work ethic didn't allow him to stay idle very long. He was dedicated and worked incredibly hard his entire life.
He found the perfect solution to his quiet retirement when he started a job at Martindale Country Club in the Spring of 2000. He caught up with old friends and made an astonishing number of new friends during his 24 years there. Many knew him for his joking nature, many stories and his warm, mischievous and infectious smile. Many thanks to Nick and Jami Glicos. With his steadfast will and determination, often seen as stubbornness, he was able to continue to work until very recently. He was never one to give up without a fight.
Bruce will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Bruce, Jr (Linda) Woodard, Jim (Valerie) Woodard, Marie (David) Dostie, Mary (Khone) Ratsavong, Jill (David) Perkett, Eliza (Matt) Vattaso, Marjorie (Michael) Turcotte, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Jacqueline (Jackie) Davis and brother Pennell (Penny) Woodard.
The family is thankful for the care and compassion provided to him during his final days.
Services will be held Saturday, August 10th at 11am at East Auburn Baptist Church, 560 Park Avenue, Auburn. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10am to 11am. All are welcome.
A private committal will be held at St.Peter's Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in his memory may do so to the Auburn YMCA, 62 Turner St., Auburn, ME 04210.