Leland M. Woodard

Leland M. Woodard, who built custom homes in Everett, died from two gunshot wounds to the head, Jan. 11, 2012, at the age of 52. The family says he was a very proud father, a first time grandfather and a gifted carpenter.

Woodard was born on Easter Sunday, March 29, 1959, in Ritzville, first born son of Leland C. Woodard and Sharon K. Jensen. He grew up on a 168-acre farm in the foothills of Mount Spokane and attended Riverside High School.

As a young boy he was bucked off of the family horse and broke his thumb. “I’ll never ride horses again,” he said going on to make the Harley Davidson his ride of choice. This passion precipitated the name of his first business venture, Hawg Construction Company.

After moving to Washtucna in 1996, he built custom homes in the Tri-cities area. In the months prior to his death, he traveled for work to North Dakota while still a resident of the small town, operating a crane to care for his wife and daughter who stayed back in Washtucna.

The family says he was known for strong work ethics and he loved to fish. He has taken his employees and his brother on fishing excursions. He has been described as a friend to many and a help in time of need. Woodard traveled to New Orleans to help victims of Katrina and is said to have bought toys for neighborhood children because he saw the need.

He is survived by his wife, Becky, a postal carrier in Adams County; two daughters, Seanna Woodard of Phoenix, Ariz., and Amanda Woodard of Washtucna; a brother, Paul Woodard of Stanwood; three sisters, Cheryl Dore of Snohomish, Wendy Woodard of Stanwood, and Dana Woodard of Valle; and an eleven-month-old grandson, Adydin of Phoenix, Ariz.

Woodard is preceded in death by his brother, Christopher Woodard, born Aug., 28, 1972, died Nov. 19, 1987; his grandparents, Mike and Edna Austin of Washtucna; and Victor and Eleanor Jensen of Lind.

In honor of his life, a memorial service is planned for Jan. 22, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. at Washtucna Community Church.

A memorial is set up in honor of his two daughters and donations can be made at any US Bank.