John Woodbury

John Woodbury of Cheyenne died peacefully on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at
Cheyenne Regional Hospital John left this world surrounded by his loving wife and three
daughters and leaves a legacy as robust and enduring as the mountains he so loved.
Born in the heart of the Wyoming Red Desert, John arrived on a summer's day in
August 1946. His journey began in the embrace of his beloved parents, Alva and Helen
Woodbury. Most who knew him agree that, from the very beginning, John was destined
for greatness. Stories of his childhood cleverness and youthful entrepreneurial spirit are
the stuff of family lore.
Books were John’s first love, and he embarked on his academic adventure at the
University of Wyoming in the raucous 1960s. He emerged in 1969 with a degree in
pharmacology and a cherished membership to the fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega.
Studious and fun-loving, John’s fondly remembered his college days as a time of
intellectual rigor and friendships that would last a lifetime. John had a knack for creating
cherished memories with those around him.
Though John was undoubtedly a scholar, he also had a love for building things from
scratch. Armed with determination, a keen business sense, and an eye for new
adventures, John co-founded MitchWood Construction with his dear friend Ben Mitchell
in the late 1970s. Together, they reshaped Rawlins, leaving behind a tangible legacy of
buildings and structures that stand as a testament to John's leadership, craftsmanship,
and commitment to excellence.
Known for his boundless generosity and an unyielding desire to help others, John was a
natural leader. Whether it was friends, family, or strangers, he extended a helping hand
without a second thought. His charisma and warmth drew people in, creating a network
of relationships that defined his rich tapestry of life.
John's heart belonged to the great outdoors, finding solace and joy at his cabin in the
Sierra Madres. Surrounded by nature's beauty, he immersed himself in building
projects, the likes of which only a person with a true passion for life could undertake. His
beloved “cabin on the side of the mountain” sits as the crown jewel in a life of
workmanship. As the sun dipped below the mountainous horizon, John would reflect on
the day's accomplishments, finding peace in the simplicity of a breathtaking sunset.
At home, John relished in the simple pleasures. From cooking grand Thanksgiving
feasts to the rhythmic hum of the riding lawn mower, John turned every project into a
canvas of precision. A sneakily generous spirit, John always had a treat for his loyal
canine companions, ensuring their tails wagged in appreciation.
Though he had the unique gift of making anyone feel like family, John's devotion to his
own family was unmatched. He is survived by his wife Michele, daughters Keri Bear,
Meggan Bilotte, and Erin Andrews, grandchildren Griffin Bear (24), Kaci Bear (24),
Oliver Bilotte (16), Josie Andrews (11), Theo Andrews (8), Opal Bilotte (7), brothers
Glen (Sharon) Woodbury and Dave (Susan) Woodbury, as well as numerous relatives
and loyal family friends. John’s love was fierce, unconditional, and unwavering. He
leaves behind a legacy of love that will echo through generations.
John Woodbury, a man whose laughter was infectious, whose kindness was boundless,
and whose spirit touched the lives of many, has said his last goodbye and taken his final
“roadie”. He will be greatly and forever missed, but his legacy of love, generosity, and
the warmth he brought to our lives will endure in our hearts. Raise a glass in his honor,
share a laugh, and cherish the moments you have with your loved ones. Celebrate the
life he lived, for he would want nothing more.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to John’s favorite local charity, the
Cheyenne Animal Shelter.