Silent Key - Woody, N8LBG

Mr. Woodrow “Woody” Aldrich, N8LBG, age 91, of Spring Lake passed away Thursday, December 10, 2009. He was born June 18, 1918 in Maple Rapids, MI to Steven and Sylvia (Crook) Aldrich. Mr. Aldrich proudly served his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy and then served in the U.S. Army as a radio communications operator. While stationed in Bovingdon, England, he meet his future wife, Elsie Armitage, who was part of the Woman’s Auxiliary Air Force and on December 22, 1945, he married Elsie in Sunderland, England. She preceded him in death on June 14, 1993. Upon returning to Michigan he worked as a process engineer for Sealed Power Corporation, retiring in 1978. He was a member of United Methodist Church of the Dunes and a life member of the Masonic Lodge of Maple Rapids, MI. He was also a Ham Radio Operator and a member of the Radio Club of Grand Haven. Survivors include: 1 son, David W. (Bonnie) Aldrich of Muskegon; 7 grandchildren: Arend (Lindsey) Aldrich, Nicholas Aldrich, Matthew (Shelly) Aldrich, Christopher Aldrich, David J. Aldrich, Gabriel (Cecelia) Gordon and Sara (John) Newburgh; and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Alice Aldrich, and a daughter-in-law, Teri Aldrich. He was preceded in death by his son Wilfred “Will” Aldrich on January 26, 2006, and 1 brother, William Aldrich. A service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 14, 2009, at the United Methodist Church of the Dunes with Pastor Daniel Duncan officiating. Friends may meet the family 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 13, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Spring Lake. Interment will take place in Spring Lake Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 Honor Guard. In honor of Woodrow, memorial contributions may be given to the United Methodist Church of the Dunes or Heartwood Lodge of Hospice of North Ottawa Community.