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Soldotna resident Randall 'Randy' Woodward died Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, at Avente of Mount Dora nursing home in Mount Dora, Fla. He was 58.

His daughter, Kelly, arrived in Florida, Oct. 11, spending his last hours by his side along with his sister, Pam.

Memorial services will be held in Edgeley, N.D., in August where his ashes will be buried at the family cemetery.

Mr. Woodward was born Oct. 25, 1950, in Edgeley, to George and Gloria Woodward. He lived in Omaha, Neb., before moving to Soldotna with his family in 1983. Randy worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator for most of his career.

"It wasn't long after moving to Soldotna, that he became an Alaskan at heart. He bought his family a small piece of land just north of where Fred Meyer is now, and with just enough spruce trees on the land, he and his family built a beautiful log home," his family said. "With Soldotna Creek just a short walk through the trees, evening fishing excursions with his family and nephew were something he loved to do. As his kids aged Randy aged with them adapting to their passions, weather it be riding passenger during the the fall hunting season, or 4-wheeling in the wilderness, clam digging, camping, fishing, sitting around a warm bonfire."

"Seeing a smile on his kids face meant the world to him, and as long as he was with his family he washappy. As a grandpa he loved to tell his grandchildren stories about his adventures and the wildlife he encountered. As an uncle he enjoyed spending time with his nephew, weather it be fishing or just relaxing he always enjoyed his company. He had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed telling and receiving a good joke. He moved to Florida in 2002 where he enjoyed the warmer weather and new adventures. Dad loved to travel and see new places. His sister, Pam lovingly took care of him during his illness, making sure his needs were attended to. Pam is an RN at Avante of Mount Dora where Randy resided until his passing. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten."

Mr. Woodward was preceded in death by his father, George Woodward; and brother, Timothy (Tim) Woodward.

He is survived by his mother, Gloria Woodward; brother, Steve Woodward and his wife, Donna, of Nebraska; sister, Pamela Poe and her partner, Debby, of Florida; wife of 32 years, Michelle (Mikey) Woodward; and sister-in-law, Terri Woodward of Soldotna; his children, sons, Scott Woodward and his wife, Mindi, and David Woodward and his wife, Lindsey, of Oregon,; daughter, Kelly Johnson, and her husband, Nathan of Soldotna; grandchildren, Ellyce and Hunter Woodward and Alexandra and Cameron Johnson, all of Soldotna, and Nevan and Marshall Woodward of Oregon; nephew, Mike Woodward, and his fianc, Rebecca Kesinger of Soldotna; niece, Angela Lindsey, and her husband, Justin, of Missouri; as well as many other nieces, nephews.

Arrangements were made by Cremation Services of Mid Florida.