Obituary of Charles Lloyd Woods

Charles Lloyd Woods left the world in the early hours of a snow-covered morning on December 19th, 2021, two days short of his 86th birthday. Born in his family’s home in Cambridge, Iowa, he died peacefully in his home outside of Portland, Oregon, attended by his loving family — his wife Rebekah, his son Brad and his daughter Paige — after losing his battle with lymphoma.

Chuck, as he was known to his family and friends, grew up on a small family farm outside of Huxley, Iowa. Beginning his education in a rural, two-room school house, he then graduated from Huxley, Iowa high school. For a man who disliked "parties", he frequently made the effort to return to Iowa to attend the annual Huxley all school reunions. He went on to attend Iowa State University and then completed his undergraduate degree in geology from the University of Iowa. Following this, he pursued a career in medicine, obtaining his DO degree at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing his medical internship at Waldo Hospital in Seattle, Washington, he spent some time in private practice in Mukilteo, Washington. He then went on to specialize in the field of Pathology, completing his residency at Mt. Clemens General Hospital in Michigan. He then moved with his family to Portland and worked as the Directorof Pathology and Lab Services at Eastmoreland General Hospital for 27 years until he retired. However, his love of the field brought him back out of retirement to work in several labs until age 75.

Medicine was only one aspect of his lifelong interest in science and the natural world. As such, he was a man of reason who, with Charles Darwin as his 'patron saint', steadfastly championed the cause of Secular Humanism throughout his life. “Faith is not a virtue,” he maintained, “it is the glorification of voluntary ignorance.” He never shied away from discussing religion or politics with friends and relatives, and was always the dissenting voice amongst his medical colleagues, who were mostly of a more conservative bent, at the hospital luncheon table.

His search for knowledge, and his interest in politics and current events made him a voracious reader. He cultivated an ever growing library, and always had stacks of magazines and journals throughout his home. One of his greatest regrets as he saw the end of his days drawing near was that he still had so many of his books yet to read.

Charles was also an avid motorcyclist. As a young man he travelled the country by bike, often with his college buddies. He gave up that life when he first married and became a family man, but took it up again later in life after remarrying Rebekah, and it became a big part of their life. Besides taking short, day rides on weekends, they took many extended road trips throughout the Pacific Northwest as well as a few longer trips to the Southwest, the Midwest,

British Columbia, across the whole United States and even one in New Zealand.

But the hobby that he is most well known for is cooking. Chuck loved food, but found most restaurant fare wanting. Hence he took his flare for competency and applied it to the culinary arts. He was the master of his kitchen and did not abide help therein when he was preparing a meal. Invitees to his dinners quickly learned as much and refrained from even bothering him with conversation when he was busy in the kitchen. With the exception of a few missteps now and then, the first and most egregious one — at least to his two children — being an attempt to season his normally tasty chicken and noodles dish with nutmeg, he became a consummate chef. A dinner invite was always a treat for friends and family alike. The dishes were always delicious and the servings generous. One could tell that he enjoyed hosting these meals he prepared, always making sure that each guest was satisfied with the amount they had had. He strove to ever expand his dish repertoire and to improve upon his techniques. To this end a section of his library became dedicated to cooking books of all sorts.

His signature dish was mashed potatoes and gravy, and although a meat and potato guy by nature, in his later years he took a profound interest in nutrition, wanting both to improve his own health and to insure that of his loved ones. His research led him to the conclusion that a whole food, plant-based (WFPB) diet is the healthiest and natural way for humans to eat. This theory tied in neatly with the evolutionary principles he had long held: “It only makes sense that we should be eating the foods that our ancestors have eaten for hundreds of thousands of years.” As with his other strongly held beliefs, he became a great proponent of the idea to his friends and family. He took great pleasure in converting many of his traditional dishes to vegan versions, and enjoyed sharing this knowledge with others.

Even at this late stage in his life, this change in his dietary habits did result in some improved health benefits for him; however, it was too late in the game for it to forestall the cancer that likely took root years or decades before, and which he ultimately succumbed to. Nevertheless his advocacy for a WFPB diet will be his legacy -- that and the memory of his sterling character, generosity, friendship and good humor. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and remaining former colleagues.

Chuck is predeceased by his parents Harold Francis Woods and Mildred Beatrice (Ritland) Woods. He is survived by his wife Rebekah (Trochmann) Woods, son Bradley B. Woods and daugher Paige C. Woods; grandchildren Petra and Faris Khan, sister Ruth Anne Cothes, and many nieces and nephews.

There is no plan for a formal memorial at this time, but family and friends will gather to celebrate his life somtime in 2022.

His final wishes stated on 12/02/2021, " If any person is so disposed to offer a memorial gift to any kind on my behalf, I would request that they use such funds for a worthwile effort. I might suggest "The Carter Center" or perhaps "Americans United for Separation of Church and State". Any legitimate medical charity would also be consideration but care must be taken in what organization is chosen. There are scammers out there! Due diligence is warranted if you plan a donation. I wish for you all a prosperous and long-filled life."

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