Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Edward Woodrich spent his formative years in the Midwest before answering the call to serve his country. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy, embarking on a journey that would ultimately shape the course of his life.

While stationed in San Diego, he met the love of his life, Norma. She was just shy of 18 years old when they were introduced, and together they began a remarkable love story that would span 63 years. Through Norma, he was welcomed into a large and loving Mexican family. He quickly embraced the culture, the food, the music, the dancing, and most importantly, the warmth and closeness of family. Norma’s family grew to love him as one of their own, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

After serving four years in the Navy, he began a career in Civil Service at North Island. Following five years of courtship, he and Norma were married on March 9, 1968, beginning a lifelong partnership built on faith, love, commitment, and friendship.

The couple moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where on Easter Sunday in 1973, he made the most important decision of his life and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His faith became the foundation upon which he built his life, guiding his values, character, and devotion to his family.

Soon after, they returned to California, where they welcomed their first child, Larissa. During this time, he returned to work at North Island and attended night school, earning his education in civil engineering while working full-time and supporting his growing family. Five years later, their son Jared was born, completing the family he treasured so deeply.

In 1981, the family relocated to Oklahoma, where they established deep roots and formed many lifelong friendships. After retiring from Civil Service in 2001, he remained active, working for a sign company creating banners and later helping Norma at The Mail Chute. Retirement never slowed him down; he simply found new ways to stay productive and serve those he loved.

A gifted craftsman, he taught himself woodworking and stained-glass artistry. Whatever he set his mind to, he mastered. His projects reflected both his creativity and meticulous attention to detail. He handcrafted beautiful shelves, end tables, decorative signs, stained-glass frames, and countless treasured gifts for family and friends. Among his most cherished creations were a wooden dollhouse built for his daughter, Larissa, and a handcrafted fire station built for his son, Jared.

He was a man who believed that if something was broken, it could be fixed. Whether repairing a household item, building something from scratch, or teaching himself a new skill, he approached every task with patience, determination, and excellence. He took pride in doing things well and never settled for less than his best.

His attention to detail extended to everything he owned, especially his car. It was always spotless, carefully maintained, and serviced with the same diligence and pride he applied to every aspect of his life.

Family was at the center of everything he did. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. His wife and children always knew they could count on him. He provided faithfully, worked tirelessly, and made his family his highest priority. He was present—not only in the important milestones, but in the everyday moments that matter most.

He loved to dance and shared many joyful moments on the dance floor with Norma throughout their marriage, including dancing together at both of their children’s weddings. He loved spending time with family, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

He was also known for his cooking. Family favorites included his delicious chicken fajitas and his famous banana pancakes—especially beloved by Larissa, who requested them whenever she came home to visit.

He enjoyed watching classic Westerns, collecting silver pocket watches and unique belt buckles, and spending time creating, building, and improving everything around him. Yet more than any hobby or accomplishment, he will be remembered for the life he lived: a life marked by faith, integrity, hard work, devotion, and love.

He was a Godly man, a man of character, and a man whose family always came first. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the values he instilled, and the memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

His favorite Bible verse was 1 Corinthians 2:9.

“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”