Remembering Woody

Woodward Wickham

It is with great sadness and a deep sense of loss that we at ITVS learned of the passing of Woody Wickham, a leading member of ITVS’ Board of Directors, this past Sunday.

My first and true introduction to Woodward Wickham, or Woody as he is better known, was during a presentation at the MacArthur Foundation where I was pitching the merits of a workforce development plan to him and ten of his colleagues. Somewhere in the middle of my presentation I forgot my nervousness and began to wave my hands around, knocking a full glass of water onto my lap. Without a blink or pause, Woody held my wide-eyed glance and commanded me to continue while someone else mopped up. So intense was his questioning that my suit steamed itself dry—not even a damp spot by the time we were done.

Years later, I realized the depths of strategy and kindness that lay behind his command, as he saved me from my predicament that day at MacArthur and from many that were to come over the years. Woody joined the ITVS board in 2002, served as chair in 2005 and 2006 and on a multitude of committees throughout his tenure. There is no doubt that our field and ITVS would not be where we are today if not for his leadership, exacting standards and generosity. Personally, I know that I am a better person for having known him, worked with him and enjoyed his friendship. I think he knows our love and gratitude as he passes on. He died peacefully yesterday at 5:30 PM in his home in Chicago. We miss him already.

Sally Jo Fifer
President and CEO

P.S. – Gifts in his memory can be sent to the endowment of the Woodward A. Wickham Butterfly Garden at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614.

Tags: ITVS board