Marion Woods

    A memorial gathering for Dr. Marion Chase Woods, 87, will be held on Oct. 24, 2009, from 3-5 p.m. at The Mission on Santa Fe Avenue. In lieu of flowers or donations, please attend and bring stories about Marion to share.

    A longtime resident of Lobo Canyon, he was born in Farmington and passed away on Sept. 13, 2009, after a lengthy illness.

    He is survived by his life partner: James Totten and sons: Richard and Robert; daughter: Marilyn; seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

    He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Harold; and sister: Freda.

    Dr. Woods was an officer in the Army Air Corp.  He earned his doctoral degree in biochemistry at Cornell University and taught for many years as  a professor of biochemistry in the California State University system.  After retirement to New Mexico, Woods was known for his commitment to education in the community, volunteering as a tutor at New Mexico State University-Grants and at Casa San Jose and with Literacy Volunteers.  He also was well known for his piano accompaniment of the Grants Community Choir and the Grants High School choir and solo competitions.  He also accompanied several local singers in their performances. He was a lifelong animal lover who, with his partner, James, raised countless cats and dogs at their Lobo Canyon home.