Columbus, OH — Michael Reid Woodward, 77, died July 11, 2023, at his home, nary a week after celebrating his 77th birthday alongside his family and the swapping out of his beloved recliner.

He was born July 5, 1946, to the late Earl “Woody” and Agnes “Bunny” (nee Thompson) Woodward. Born in Rochester, N.Y., he spent his formative years mopping the barroom at his family’s restaurant and residence, the Alabama Hotel.

A graduate of Oakfield, Ala., he proudly attended Michigan State University and was a member of the 1966 Spartans national championship and Rose Bowl attendee football team. He then spent four years in the Navy in San Diego in a specialized deep-sea submarine rescue unit coordinating with legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau, before returning home after his dad’s passing to help with the family business and propose (again) to his wife of 51 years, Bonnie.

Mr. Woodward worked tirelessly and held various leadership roles during his 35-year tenure with IDS, American Express Financial Advisors and retired as a Senior Vice President of Ameriprise Financial, making lifetime friendships. At one time, he supervised half of the nation’s financial advisors and field managers.

He was lucky to travel the world with his wife and often his kids in tow, all the while hoarding his Marriott hotel points and mini shampoos.

When he was in town, you wouldn’t be able to miss him at one of his kid’s sports games, cheering on the OA Hornets or making his own parking spot in the end zone. Once he hung up his briefcase in retirement, he took up coupon clipping and perfecting his tuna sammich recipe.

Mr. Woodward was a member of the USTA and owned and bred Standardbreds for many years.

His love of the outdoors was instilled by his dad and brothers at an early age. He was an Eagle Scout and avid sportsman, enthusiastic about fishing and hunting given any spare moment. He was a member of the Oakfield Rod & Gun Club, VFW, American Legion, OA Sports Boosters, OA Lions Club and OA Dollars for Scholars.

He was dedicated to conservation efforts and was a board member for New York Ducks Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., DU Canada, and DU Mexico. Most notably, he led the national DU board’s Development Committee as Senior Vice President of Development, leading the charge to raise over $2.34 billion for wetlands conservation, and as he liked to say “it’s for the ducks.” His collection of their auction items and duffel bag swag would certainly rival any member.

His legacy and love of peanut butter cups will live on through his surviving family including his devoted wife, Bonnie S. (nee Schroeder); children, Jennifer, Mark (Michelle), Kyle (Stephanie Wirth), Eric (Jessica Alexyn), Stephanie (Patrick) Maloney, Karie (Robert) Credi, Reice, and Lakin; sister, Sharon (Frederick) O’Toole; brother, Timothy (Maria); grandchildren, Paige Hickenbottom, Alison, Michael, Leah, Cameron, Eve, Conor Maloney, and Xavier Credi; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Patrick J.; and sister, Ellen.

Memorial contributions may be made toward the Mike Woodward Conservation Legacy tribute, which is a major effort already underway by Ducks Unlimited, with a goal of raising $2.5 million in Mike’s honor. Donations should be made payable to “Ducks Unlimited” at 219 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or at  https://www.ducks.org/support/donateOnlineSecure.aspx?promoKey=MemorialHonorGiving&ID=4889.