Woodrow Byrd “Woody” Baldwin died June 24, 2011 at Careage of Whidbey, Coupeville, at the age of 72. He was born Dec. 8, 1938 in Guthrie, Okla., one of seven children born to Madow and Augusta Lee Byrd. At age 5, Woody moved with his family to Englewood, Colo. Graduating from high school in Englewood in 1958, Woody enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

After completing basic training, Woody’s first duty station was the Philippines and Subic Bay. While there he met a young lady, Victoria Gonzales. On March 12, 1960, Woody and Victoria were married in Cavite City, Philippines.

Their next duty station was Long Beach, Calif., and on to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. The Navy transferred them on the China Lake, North Island, Subic Bay in the Philippines and finally, back to Whidbey Island, where he retired in October of 1977 as a PN1 with over 20 years of service.

Following retirement, Woody returned to work with jobs at TSI and PSD and then full time at the Oak Harbor School District, where he served as a security officer for the school district for many years. Woody was a friend to the employees and students alike throughout the district.

Woody also had a passion for music. He was a great fan of the Platters musical group. Woody purchased his own sound system and provided live entertainment, as well as karaoke for parties, weddings and other events throughout the area. Woody was a very talented entertainer and he took great pleasure in being able to perform for a large party at the Space Needle in Seattle.

Woody is survived by his wife of 51 years, Victoria; by one son, Elpidio A. Baldwin and wife Cynthia of Bushkill, Penn.; grandchildren, Michael, Gregory and Victoria; and six brothers and sisters, Raino Baldwin, Linda Baldwin, Alvina Sampson, Patricia Allan, Theodore Baldwin and Gwendolyn Baldwin.

Woody requested no formal funeral services be conducted. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor.