On Thursday, January 13, 2011, Stephen Woodard, at the age of 54, was
received into the arms of those who passed before him after a brief but
valiant fight with cancer. He was predeceased by his mother, Teresa
Woodard, and father, George Woodard Sr.
Steve lived in Waterbury Center all his life. He was the senior class
president at Harwood Union High School where he received the
Scholar/Athlete Award for 1974 among many other awards and scholarships.
He attended the University of Vermont, where he graduated magnum cum
laude, and received his doctorate of veterinary medicine from the
University of Pennsylvania. It was no surprise he returned to his
hometown to begin his veterinary practice. After several years working
with David Sequist, DVM of Morrisville, he opened his own veterinary
practice in 1984.
In 1984, he married Barbara Blauvelt. In 1988, they built and operated
the clinic within their home on Loomis Hill where they raised their
family together.
Steve was one of the first homeopathic vets in the area and blended
holistic and traditional medicines to treat his patients. He was known
not only for his medical talents but also for his compassion for both
his four- and two-legged visitors.
Steve put his talents to work on the farm he shared with his brother,
George Jr., spending time tending to the needs of the herd as well as
haying, which he enjoyed. In 1995, Steve was instrumental in helping to
convert the farm to 100 percent organic, one of the first in Vermont.
Two years ago, he revived the maple sugaring operation at the farm with
his son, Matthew.
Steve enjoyed watching sports of all kinds, especially hockey, which he
also played. When his three children were younger, he created an outdoor
hockey rink at their home, which became the center of much enjoyment
for his family and his children's friends.
In 2003, Steve's love of hockey drew him to an effort to help ensure the
survival of the Waterbury Hockey Rink where he spent many free moments
helping to get the operation running. He served on the board of
directors as the vice president and spent many hours teaching children
how to play hockey, especially the position of goalie, which he played
in the adult league he started.
Steve also enjoyed the arts. During his younger years he could be seen
in several Lamoille County Players productions along with his brother
George. The duo also collaborated musically during the mid 1970s and
enjoyed playing country tunes around the area as "Them Woodard Boys."
They competed in and won the second annual Green Mountain Music Festival
in 1976 beating out more than 40 bands. Their clear harmony and steady
music, just Steve on the bass and George on guitar, was something to be
enjoyed.
Steve will be missed by many. His quiet, confident voice and gentle
manner was welcome in his community by his family, friends and clients.
He will be missed especially by those he has left behind which include
his children, Matthew, William and Suzanne, and their mother, Barbara
Blauvelt. He also leaves behind his brother, Bernard; and his wife,
Colleen; his sister, Joanna; his brother, George; and many nieces and
nephews. He also leaves behind his friend, Annette Litchfield, whose
compassion these past few months helped to ease his final days, for
which his loved ones are grateful.
Calling hours will be on Thursday, January 20, 2011, at the Wesley
United Methodist Church in Waterbury from 7 to 9 p.m. A celebration of
Steve's life will be held on Saturday, January 22, from the Harwood
Union High School Auditorium in Duxbury at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers,
the family requests contributions be made, in Steve's honor, to the
Waterbury Ice Center, 546 River Road, Waterbury Center, VT 05676. To
send online condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com. Assisting
the family is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in
Waterbury.
