Walter Warren Woods

Eastern New Mexico on June 5, 1930, when Walter Warren “Woody” Woods made his earthly debut in the small town of Clayton.

After surviving the infamous Dust Bowls of 1937, the family made their way to Albuquerque, where Woody matriculated through the local schools and became a 4-year football and track letterman at Albuquerque High. He spent summers back at the Kitts family property in Clayton, where he

worked the ranch and rode the regional rodeo circuit, bull riding under the

alias "Don Pomroy". After gaining valuable experience as a smoke jumper

for the forest service in Idaho and serving his country in the U.S. Army,

Woody enrolled at the University of New Mexico where he earned a degree in Biology Education. He became a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and both his sons and one grandson followed that path after him. A fateful blind date with campus beauty queen, Lucy Krueger, was parlayed into a romantic life partnership that lasted over 67 years. The results: 3 subsequent generations of Woods; 4 kids, 9 grand kids, and soon, 9 greatgrands; all listed below.

Following a brief tenure as a high school biology teacher, Woody realized

his occupational destiny in the real estate and building industry, first

building tract homes in the 60’s, then ever larger custom homes in the 70’s

and eventually building offices and apartments in Albuquerque with several key associates. The Woods crew became regulars on the NM and Colorado ski slopes, eventually building a condo project at Taos Ski Valley in the early 80’s. They enjoyed many close relationships that centered around skiing and festive outdoor activities during all seasons. The most fearless of those participants were indoctrinated into the hallowed, spiritual environs of the Order of the Taos Periff, where Woody served as the ultimate authority.

Aside from being considered ski-run royalty, Woody and Lucy were active

sportsters and adventurers. Spirited tennis sessions at the Tennis Club of

Albuquerque were the norm, as were frequent cross-country bicycle

excursions through France, Italy and other European countries. Skilled

sailors, they explored the Caribbean and southern California coast. They

skippered a series of sailboats in Dana Point for two decades, developing

and cultivating close friendships there. Woody’s love of cooking started early in his life, initially taught by his mother, Oma (Nonie to most of us). Family recipes, along with European cooking techniques that he picked up on his bicycle trips, evolved into bountiful, gourmet classics, which were anticipated and enjoyed by all. Native New Mexican dishes, with a classical French touch, were his specialty. He was particularly fond of experimenting with new techniques and observing the expressions of out-of-area guests as they encountered a spicy surprise. Woody felt that preparing meals together enhanced relationships. He enthusiastically shared his cooking skills, which solidified connections with the younger generations and long-time friends. Earlier this year, with the help of talented relatives in Dallas, he was able to preserve this legacy when he published a cookbook, which included 10 of his favorite recipes. Those recipes are already inspiring younger Woods generations to carry on his traditions.

Warren Woods joined his wife, Lucy, in Heaven on Friday, February 12, 2021. He was extremely loved and respected by his family and friends. We will forever miss his kind heart, valuable teachings, keen humor and

genuine interest in others. In addition to a wealth of extended family

members and close friends, Woody is survived by his children: Dr. Mike

Woods (Melissa), Janice Woods, Rusty Woods (Marceen), and Cindy Lewis (Mitch); grandchildren: Eric Woods (Courtney), Adam Woods (Hilary), Sara Puharich (Michael), Natalie Frank (Marcus), Ryan Woods (Dr. Hayley), Morgan Woods (Artie), Madi Woods, Dr. Taylor Lewis (Erin) and Riley Hill (Austin); great-grandchildren: Mason, Colin, Kate, Zoey, Sierra, Braylena, Bodhi, Lucy and one more in-process (Bowie); his loving sister Wendy Woods Meyers; nephews: Ken (Lisa) Woods, Jim (Yvonne) Woods, Scott Sandlin, Rusty (Vanessa) Sandlin, Ray Selvy (Mary), Dan Selvy, Jim Selvy (Debi), Bernita Curry and Chuck Selvy.

Services will be held in Albuquerque at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the

family suggests donations to: Baylor Scott and White Hospital Foundation

(DallasFoundation.BSWHealth.com), American Heart Association

(heart.org), Café Momentum (cafemomentum.org) or the charity of your

choice.