Mr. Robert Whitehill Woodruff

Mr. Robert Whitehill Woodruff passed away March 22, 2011 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, Michigan from complications associated with Parkinson's disease. He was born October 23, 1941 in Petoskey, Michigan, the son of Robert and Margaret Woodruff. He graduated from Petoskey High School in 1960. He was named an All-State running back in football, received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, and later attended Kalamazoo College where he was a member of their undefeated football team of 1962. He was forever proud of that achievement, and the team's recent induction into the college's Hall of Fame. They have, to this day, maintained the comradery of its members and their wonderful coaches Rolla Anderson and George Acker. Bob worked at FAG bearings (now the Schaffler Group) and for a time at Seeyle Ford. He moved from Michigan to Breckenridge, CO, where he met his future wife Patricia McKay; they were together 29 years. He always loved tinkering with cars, but fell in love with rugby and became a player, then a coach for the local team, the Gentlemen of the Blue Goose. While in Breckenridge, he and Pat built a log home together with the occasional yet dedicated assistance of his club players. His last productive nine years of his life were spent in Twisp, Washington where he, Pat and her sister, Carolyn owned a beautiful peice of land on the Methow River. Throughout his life he loved to sing songs (some a bit salty) and converse with people of all walks of life. He often tried to encourage positive activities out of young men who had more unfortunate lives. This was probably in part a response to the struggles he had wrestling with manic depression, especially through his early years as an adult. He is survived by his wife, Patricia McKay; daughter, Mary Brooke Woodruff of Kalamazoo; granddaughters, Mara and Sophia; great granddaughter, Alicea; a sister, Ann (Dave) Martin; brother, John (Rita) Woodruff; sister, Marcia (John) Teichman; and all of their respective famililes. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice Care of SW Michigan, or to Aurora Saracens at aurorayouthrugby.com. Bob has many friends who showed their concern throughout his illness; his family thanks them all for the support they have given. www.harperfuneralhomeinc.com

Mr. Robert Whitehill Woodruff

October 23, 1941 - March 22, 2011