Keith Woods
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Keith was born in Seattle, WA to Edwin and Imogene Woods. Keith joined the Navy at 17 years of age in 1946. He did 2 around the world tours aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, the first Nuclear powered aircraft carrier. He rose through the ranks to E-8 and retired in 1967 as Operations Maintenance Leading Chief at NAS Whidbey. He then moved himself and his family to Sedro-Woolley, where he resided until his death. He worked at Northern State Hospital as the head of the electrical maintenance operations of the boiler house system. In 1973 Northern State Hospital closed and Keith then started his own electrical business, Woods Electric, Inc. Even at 92 years of age he was still very active in its day to day activities.
Keith loved to garden and he loved to garden big. Rows upon rows of beans, corn, and a greenhouse full of tomatoes and asparagus. He would then can most of his crop and distribute the rest to family and friends. His biggest passion, however, was wood working. The furniture he could make out of firewood logs was absolutely amazing. He would turn those logs into boards and make tables, dressers, nightstands, book cases, rocking chairs and the list goes on and on. His home and the homes of his family members are full of his creative woodworking. These items will be treasured for generations to come.
Keith was a member of the Mount Vernon Elks, The V.F.W. and the American Legion. He was an avid supporter of our military veterans, and contributed to numerous veterans organizations including Tunnel to Towers and the Wounded Warrior Project. Keith was a good man, a hardworking man, and also a very generous man. His generosity knew no bounds, and touched so many lives.
Keith is survived by his two children, Kevin Woods and Charlotte Burns; his seven grandchildren, Kendra Woods, Jason Burns, Michele Burns, Nathan Woods, Ross Woods, Matthew Woods, and Jacob Craig; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his two sons, Little Keith and Paul Woods, and his wife of 54 years, Winnie Woods.
Keith will be missed by so many. At Keith's request there will not be a memorial service.
Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and to sign the online guest registry.
Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.