Elwood -Woody- Bredell

HollywoodElwood "Woody" B. Bredell, Jr. Elwood Bailey Bredell Jr. passed away shortly before sunset on September 28, 2012, at the age of 84. "Woody" was born July 5, 1928 in Hollywood, California. He was the son of Gertrude Grace Stone and Cinematographer Elwood Bailey Bredell Sr. Woody was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jacqueline Bredell Moreno. Woody grew up in Hollywood, but he traveled a different path, far from the glitz and glamour. His mother died when he was just 13, but Woody was quite self sufficient by that age. He enjoyed backpacking in the High Sierras, and visits to the Stone family farm in Oregon. He graduated from Hollywood High in 1947, then worked as a mail boy for Warner Brothers Studios. Woody decided not to pursue a career in the motion picture industry however, and joined the Army in 1950. He served in Korea and was promoted to Sergeant. After the war, Woody enrolled at UCLA on the GI Bill. It was there he met Marjorie Kay Henderson, and they were married February 19, 1955. Woody graduated in 1957 with a BA Degree and a major in Geology. He was employed with Standard Oil of Indiana and was sent to their offices in New Mexico. As a field geologist, Woody was able to combine his knowledge of rock formations with his love of the great outdoors. Woody liked to explore "the back country" and blaze his own trails. He was an avid fisherman and game bird hunter, as four generations of black Labrador retrievers would attest. In 1965, AMOCO moved their offices to Denver, Colorado, so Woody and family were transferred to the big city. Woody made many valuable contacts downtown, and eventually went into business for himself. His success in the oil and gas industry enabled him to pursue other adventures. He obtained a private pilot\u0027s license, and was a certified deep sea scuba diver. In 1980, Woody and Kay returned to California to enjoy the semi-retired life in Los Osos. Woody had an office and boat slip in Morro Bay. He searched for prospects, offshore and on, and supplied his family with freshly caught seafood and home grown fruits and veggies. Wherever he lived, Woody was known for his generosity, engaging conversations, and skill at the barbeque. In 1991, Woody and Kay returned to the Southwest, and settled in Arizona. Sadly, in 1997, he suffered a major stoke which left him with partial paralysis and aphasia. His walks became shorter, but his mind remained active to the very end. He enjoyed the stock market on television and Turner Classic Movies, where every now and then, his father\u0027s name would appear. Despite it all, Woody usually woke up singing, and often said, "Life is Good!" He was dearly loved and will be missed by his family and friends. Woody is survived by his wife Kay, daughter Cheryl, of Cottonwood, son Kevin [Colleen] and their two children Garrett and Brenna, of Highlands Ranch, CO, son Elwood the third, of Aptos, CA, three nephews and two nieces. A grave side service will take place Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012, 10:00 am, at the Sedona Community Cemetery, Pine Drive, Sedona, AZ In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elwood\u0027s name to the charity of your choice.