Henry Matthew Woods

Henry Matthew Woods passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 10, 2015 in Dallas, Oregon, at the age of 88. Born in Lansing, Michigan, on April 20, 1927, Henry was raised on a farm in Marshall, Michigan, by his parents, Mabel and Henry, along with eight siblings. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1945. He attended Notre Dame before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1947. Henry moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1953, receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Portland in 1955. He received his Master's Degree in Education from Portland State University in 1962.

Henry had four childrentwo girls and two boys- from his first marriage to Molly Dean. Henry then met the love of his life, Renate Janicki, whom he married in 1986. Renate's two sons welcomed Henry.

From an early age, Henry was insatiably curious and loved learning. (When Henry was a teenager, his father would let him finish farm chores early so he could concentrate on his studies.) He was a world traveler and in his younger years spent extended time in Japan, Switzerland and Europe. He lived in Ghana and Morocco, Africa, from 1960 to 1963, working as a Program Director for Catholic Relief Services, serving 15 African Nations. Later in his life, he enjoyed travels to Mexico, Canada and Germany.

During his long career, Henry worked in many branches of social services, including the Portland Development Commission, VISTA, the Valley Migrant League, the Oregon State Board of Health, and the City of Salem.

Henry had a humble heart for service and justice, contributing to his community in many ways, including extensive volunteer work with the Blanchet House, Habitat for Humanity, Marion-Polk Food Share, Marion-Polk Legal Aid, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and the Oregon Governor's Citizen's Representative Office. In addition, Henry served 18 years as a member of the Garten Services Board of Directors.

Henry was ahead of his time in many ways. He was a firm believer in protecting the environment, living life in a manner that promoted recycling, energy conservation and alternative energy sources. Henry was an early proponent of the "fresh and local" movement.

Henry enjoyed reading, gardening, puttering, and making things with his hands. Though a man of few (but important) words, one had to pay attention when Henry spoke to catch his ever-present puns and wordplay.

Henry is survived by his devoted wife, Renate Janicki Woods; his daughter, Monica Woods, his daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Rick Stucky, his son and daughter-in-law, Joseph Woods and Shelly Blyth, his stepson Michael Janicki; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his sisters Liz Huggett and Bernie Karnes (Gordon) and brother Leonard Woods; and many beloved family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Mabel (Bellairs), his brothers Kenneth Woods (and sister-in-law Beverly); Keith Woods (and sister-in law Pearl), Francis Woods (and sister-in-law Joyce), sisters Marie Woods and Rosie Richardson, and his son, Daniel Woods.

A Memorial Mass (Celebration of Life) will be held on Wednesday, December 16 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salem (reception to follow at the church). Private service will be held at Restlawn Memorial Gardens at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Henry's name to Garten Services, Marion-Polk Foodshare, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Restlawn Funeral Home.