DEC 20, 1939 – JAN 30, 2015
Richard Woodard was born in DC -- a lifelong Washingtonian except for his four years in the Marines. His mother left the family (including Richard’s older brother George and sister Eleanor) when he was an infant. He had no memories of her. Richard lived in different situations growing up: with his father, in a foster home, and even in an orphanage.
As a baby, Richard was baptized as an Episcopalian, thanks to his maternal grandparents. He said this was the beginning of his spiritual journey. As an adult, he was led to the Unification Church to begin his religious search. A chance meeting in about 1974 got him involved with volunteering at Jubilee Housing, and then on to the Potter’s House, where he served as a faithful volunteer for over twenty years on Friday nights, mainly in the kitchen.
Richard has been part of several of the Church of the Saviour Faith Communities over the years – Potter’s House, Jubilee (where he sang in the gospel choir), Eighth Day, and Covenant Community. He was well known for the famous Eighth Day vacation in the White Mountains when several members were lost in the fog – and Richard went out to rescue them, not stopping until all had returned.
Professionally he was a surveyor. He enjoyed being outdoors and, when it was rainy or snowy, he could leave work and go home to writing -- his true calling. Over the years he published many stories and poems for children’s and religious magazines, as well as some greeting cards.
Richard loved buying one (or more?) lottery tickets each week, often giving them to friends for presents. He and Don Kelly spent many years going to yard sales on Saturday mornings. Richard loved collecting books, CDs, and DVDs on all sorts of topics. He was a true life-long learner.
In July 1997, Richard was walking across a road while at work when a fast moving car struck him. He landed on his face, and then survived 13 hours of surgery putting his skull back together. Eighth Day and Covenant Community got him through his recovery. After three months in the hospital, John Cook and Elizabeth Black helped nurture him back to health. Money from the insurance settlement allowed Richard to retire early with more time to write and paint. He had one art showing at The Potter’s House.
In additional to Richard’s Church of the Saviour connections, he was also a regular visitor at Christ Lutheran DC (Pastor Renata Eustis was formerly an Eighth Day member) and Foundry United Methodist Church.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2007, he had three sets of radiation treatments. The cancer moved to both hips and finally to his spine. Surgery and radiation for the spinal tumor left him with nerve damage below the waist and confined him to a wheelchair in 2014. He moved from his apartment to The Washington Home in the fall of 2014.
Richard’s brother lived in SW Virginia, and his sister lived in Florida. Richard’s main supports were friends he made through Church of the Saviour over the years, who were the family Richard made for himself. Richard was a man of faith, prayer, and service. Those saints who have gone before him have now welcomed him home.
Richard's memorial service will be Saturday, February 14, at 2 PM and will take place at Christ Lutheran Church, 5101 16th St NW (where Colorado Av NW crosses 16th St).