Bruce James Woodward

On the morning of May 28, 2019, we lost one of the kindest, most compassionate spirits anyone could ever hope to meet.  We mourn the loss of a dad, a grandpa, a brother, and a great man.  Bruce Woodward passed away quickly from an unexpected heart attack.  Bruce is predeceased by Dorothy Woodward (mother), Wayne Woodward (father), Dixie Woodward (sister).  And Bruce is lovingly remembered by Ben Woodward (son), Dan and Chelsea Woodward (son and daughter-in-law), Dixie Howard (sister), Gina and David Dillon (sister and brother-in-law), Jack and Teri Woodward (brother and sister-in-law), Tammy and John Wood (sister and brother-in-law), and many cousins, nieces and nephews and friends.  And Bruce was elated to have his first grandchild on the way who will hear about his love and impact for years to come.    Bruce always told us he was spiritually ready to go at anytime, and would prefer to die fast in the middle of the night whenever his time did come.  As unexpected and unwanted his departure may be for the rest of us, he went out exactly how he’d always hoped.  Bruce’s biggest impact on the world was being a loving, nurturing and attentive dad, and a sweet and caring person to everyone else he ever met.     Bruce lost his father at a very young age, and his primary mission in life was to put every ounce of his time and energy into his kids, so that they could benefit from a father’s love and wisdom in ways he could only dream about.  If we were to measure Bruce’s success by his ability to achieve and excel at that mission, then Bruce will go down as one of the most successful men to have ever lived.     And we’re fortunate to have had several of those sorts of philosophical conversations with Bruce many times.  He spoke often and openly about his love for God and humankind, and we know he knew how much we loved, appreciated, and respected him as well.     We’re also confident that he’d reached the pinnacle of happiness he’d always hoped to build.  If ever there were a person who was just grasped up into the afterlife because they’d reached such peace and contentment with their Creator, we’re certain Bruce fits that description.     We will move forward with great strength and positivity knowing Bruce’s incredible spirit will continue to guide us.  Bruce already told us a million times before that this shouldn’t be a time of pain but rather of celebration for his perfect rebirth into the heavens.  We’re certain that his greatest parting wish would be for all of us to find all the positive we can from our precious memories with him and joyously embrace his new never ending life as an angel in paradise with his Heavenly Father at last and forever.  Amen.   A celebration of life memorial visitation will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2019, from 3 to 5:00 p.m. in the Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home, 179 Granville Street in Newark.