January 24, 2023

Richard William Woodman was born in Stamford, Connecticut on November 29, 1934 to Ernest A. Woodman and Mary Woodman (nee Brean). He died in Santa Rosa, California on January 24, 2023, of complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

Richard lived a long and active life. He was a strong hiker, a graceful skier, a devoted practitioner of karate, a proud veteran, and a meticulous craftsman in his work as a machinist and later as a builder of furniture and detailed wooden toys which he donated to the children of Sonoma County each year at Christmas. He loved food and wine and he was a loving partner and friend. Richard retired from Optical Coating Laboratory in 2000. During his long retirement, Richard and his partner of more than thirty-five years, Mia James, traveled to all the national parks of the west, returning to Yellowstone N.P. many times. Richard and Mia hiked the trails, watched the wildlife and reported close encounters with Grizzly bears, bison and wolves.

In addition to Mia, Richard is survived by his sister, Audrey Subwick and her husband, Dan, of Ashtabula Ohio; nieces Christine Foor of Geneva Ohio, and Tanya Buchmelter of Fitchburg Wisconsin; many first and second cousins, friends, former hiking group members, and former co-workers. The family thanks the staff at Providence Memorial Hospital, especially Richard’s primary physician, James G. Trapnell, M.D. for their care, and the Albano family and staff at OurHome, who provided compassionate care for him during the last months of his life.

At Richard’s request, no services are planned. Remembrances in his memory may be made to The Nature Conservancy or Sonoma Land Trust, where he was a volunteer and supporter for many years.