Bruce Woods

Bruce Woods passed away June 27 after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 54.

Woods was born Jan. 15, 1957, in Springfield, Mo. but moved to Pueblo, Colo., as a young boy. Growing up, he was involved in Boy Scouts and enjoyed hiking and backpacking in the Colorado mountains. He attended the University of Southern Colorado, where he met his wife, Nancy. In 1980, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physics. After graduation, he and Nancy married and moved to Livermore so he could begin his career at the Lab.

He spent the first 20 years of his career at the Lab doing research and development of various laser components. He then worked for a few years in chemistry helping develop biodetection systems before moving to diagnostics development on the National Ignition Facility.

Family was Woods first priority and he always made time to be involved in his daughters’ school and music activities. A musician himself, he played guitar and bass with close friends in a rock band. He also played trombone with a local big band group. However, his greatest passion was for woodworking. Over the years, he designed and created everything from simple boxes to fine furniture.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Nancy; daughter and son-in-law, Stacey and Steve Buck; daughter, Laura Woods; parents, Kenneth and Virginia Woods; and sister, Diana Woods. He was predeceased by his sister, Pam Edrich.

An open house to remember and celebrate Woods' life will be held on Saturday, July 9, from 2-6 p.m. at the family's home. The address is 646 Daisyfield Drive in Livermore. Toasts and remembrances will start at 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or a charity of your choice.