Out of a hiker's untimely death comes a great gift

Last October, Bob Woodie set off on a four-day trip in the eastern Sierra to do what he loved most: hiking and fishing. The 74-year-old Manhattan Beach resident and avid backpacker may have had his sights set on hiking in the South Lake area near Bishop.

But something went wrong. When Woodie didn't return, a massive search and rescue mission was launched. He was never found. Officials believe he may have been the victim of a rock slide.

That's not where Woodie's story ends. 

His gentle spirit and love of nature has been transformed into a Sierra Club endowment aimed at igniting a passion among youngsters who may have not yet discovered the thrill of being out in nature.

"Bob spent is whole life introducing children to the outdoors, be they his sons, cousins, friends or grandchildren," says his son, Robert Woodie. "His gentle spirit and enthusiasm for our wild places was contagious and spawned new generations of nature lovers in our family. We are excited to partner with the Sierra Club to keep his name alive by continuing his lifelong practice of connecting youth with the outdoors."

Woodie's family established a memorial endowment that will benefit the Sierra Club's L.A. and Orange County youth programs Inspiring Connections to the Outdoors, or ICO. The goal is to raise $100,000 to ensure funds for the program that trains the next generation of hikers and stewards of the planet.

"We would like to thank Bob Woodie's family for establishing this endowment," says Elizabeth Neat of LA ICO. "Last year LA ICO led 136 hikes that involved 4,277 young people. These funds will go a long way to providing the bus transportation we need to get the children to the trail heads. Again and again students and their teachers tell us how special these trips are."

Kids who participate in ICO says things such as: "This is the best field trip ever" and "Nature is more beautiful in person than on my phone."

Woodie is survived by his wife, Joanne, and sons Robert and Tim. He also had five grandchildren.

Those lucky enough to have known him describe Woodie as a humble, simple, and very capable man. His love of the outdoors led him to family backpacking trips. The eastern Sierra backcountry was his church and he worshiped at the altar of its trout fishing.

To make a tax-deductible donation, you may donate online here or write a check payable to the Sierra Club Foundation and write "Bob Woodie Memorial Endowment" in the memo line. Mail it to:

Sierra Club Foundation
2101 Webster Street, Suite 1250
Oakland, CA 94612