Darwin Donald "Woody" Woodruff

Darwin Donald “Woody” Woodruff, 82, passed away on August 12, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born on August 20, 1943, to George and Chloie Woodruff, he was the youngest of 13 children.

Woody’s life was marked by a deep commitment to service and a profound love for his family. A 1962 graduate of Tooele High School, he dedicated his career to public safety, and was a hero serving with the Tooele from 1967 to 1980 and West Valley Police Departments from 1980 until his retirement after 35 years of service. His spirit of service extended well beyond his professional life; he was a dedicated member of ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) from 1960 onward. A lifelong enthusiast of amateur radio, he began in 1950 and eventually achieved the highest designation as an Amateur Extra class operator.

He met his beloved wife, Margaret “Marty” Woodruff, in 1959 while serving in the Civil Air Patrol. They were married on January 9, 1964, and later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on January 9, 1989.

In his retirement, Woody became a “cruise fanatic,” enjoying 11 voyages and traveling to notable destinations including China, Israel, and Egypt. He took great joy in chaperoning the women of his family on these adventures, affectionately referring to them as his “harem.”

Those who knew Woody remember a man who was unfailingly courteous and kind. While he was a strict disciplinarian as a father—running his home with a “my way or the highway” philosophy—he was also a man of immense patience and integrity who always followed through on his commitments. He was a pillar of his neighborhood, always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Above all, he cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Even in his final days, he remained a man defined by his enduring love for his family and his warm, welcoming smile.

Woody’s warm embrace will be greatly missed by those who survive him: his wife, Marty; his sister, Marie Fisher; his children, Leigh Ann, Tom (Betty), Kyle (Marnie), and Brian (Brooke); 16 grandchildren and their spouses; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild.

Friends and family are invited to attend memorial services. Viewings will be held on August 27, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on August 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., prior to the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Viewings and funeral will be conducted at Whitewood Ward Chapel, 3555 West 5620 South, Taylorsville, UT. Interment will be Valley View Memorial Park 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley, UT. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.

The funeral service will be streamed live at:
https://evt.live/darwin-woodruff