74-years young, Bob was recently hiking and fishing in his favorite area of the Eastern Sierras. He was in the middle of a 12-mile trek back to the trailhead when he was caught in a fierce storm and succumbed to hypothermia. A massive search and rescue effort found no evidence of him, his body finally found by hikers the following summer.
“Pops” was a man with a kind heart and a humble demeanor
. I never once heard him criticize or complain about anyone or anything. His handyman work was more about engaging with good people than about making money. Indeed, if Bob was your handyman you would probably agree that his work was high quality and his billing too low. His untimely death leaves his family and those who knew him in a state of disbelief and deep sadness. He was a gentle man who gave of himself till the end. In Bob’s memory, we have created the Bob Woodie Memorial Endowment with the Sierra Club Foundation. Each year its earnings will support the local program, Inspiring Connections Outdoors, which takes underprivileged children on guided camping and service trips to places such as the Channel Islands and Yosemite. Bob was at peace in the outdoors and loved introducing youngsters to its wonders and challenges. His endowment will support these and other efforts to spark a love of the outdoors in kids. Sierra Club founder John Muir asserted that “people who experience wilderness first hand are much more likely to preserve it for future generations.”
We have set an ambitious goal commensurate with the impact Bob’s life had on those he loved. Would you consider helping us memorialize Bob Woodie with a generous contribution? Perhaps you could remember Bob as part of your annual giving/tithe? Our goal is to raise $100,000 for his endowment so his spirit lives on in a fitting and lasting way. As of February 2022 we have reached our goal but welcome additional contributions to his legacy. Your donation is fully tax deductible. The Sierra Club’s website for his endowment will be live in January 2017. You may also donate by check made payable to “Bob Woodie Memorial Endowment for Inspiring Connections Outdoors”. Please mail your contribution with the enclosed form to Sierra Club Foundation, 2101 Webster Street, Suite 1250, Oakland, CA 94612.
