Steven Norman Woodward, 58, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at his home. He was born on June 7, 1957 in Ogden, Utah, to Norman and Betty (Butcher) Woodward. Steve graduated from Ben Lomond High School in 1975. He married Loreta Tonti on August 31, 1979. They had two children, Niki and Michael. Steve workedin the Contracting Directorate as a Contract Specialist in ICBM at Hill Air Force Base. He retired in 2012 after 34 years and received many honors throughout his career. Steven was a gentle giving tree who touched so many with his kind blue eyed generosity. He had a personality and humor that would light up any room he walked into. He loved every person in this world with his whole being. He would literally give strangers the shirt off his back just to make their day better. He helped people recognize the best in themselves and encouraged them to be their best. He was optimistic and could always find the humor in every situation. Steve was known for his kindness and nurturing attributes. His mother passed away when he was 16, and he became the care giver for his father and sister, who later passed away. His compassion didnt stop there. He would always be the first to make meals or offer a hand of service at Saint Joseph High School Booster Club and to Saint James Catholic Church. If it needed to be done, he was there. He gave his whole heart and soul to others as this was his true calling in life. When he wasnt doing something to better the lives of his family and friends you could find him playing his personal Double Diamond slot machine. He loved music and his favorite artist was Elton John. Dad, you are our "rocket man" now. Steve loved the holidays. His favorite holidays were Halloween and the 4th of July. He loved to dress up for Halloween and always kept a tally of how many kids came trick-or-treating. He loved having people over to watch the fireworks from his deck. This year we will watch the fireworks at his house and think of him. Fishing was his forte and he looked forward to the yearly Flaming Gorge camping/boating trips, but especially the Lake Powell fishing trips with the Saint Joseph High School Boosters. He loved water and snow skiing and the outdoors. He knew US Geography like the back of his hand and was a great live Google map. Steve had an uncanny ability for predicting the weather so he became our personal meteorologist. He could tell you what was wrong with your car just by listening to it. He was a gourmet cook and baker and loved having family over for Sunday dinners. Steve had a green thumb and his tomato garden was always enjoyed by many family and friends. His tomatoes are so good because he truly grew them with love. We will watch the garden grow this year and share his loving tomatoes with everyone. He loved his grandson Vinny and would sing him Vinny and the Jets as a lullaby. He loved his niece and nephew, Lydia and Domenic, who brought him so much joy. Steve had a morning ritual..every day he would open the paper to the obituary section and would celebrate the lives of those who had passed on. As you read his obituary it is apparent there are not enough words to show how much he meant to us. Thanks for the memories and we hope this tribute is everything you would have hoped for, Dad. There are memories we will always remember not because they were important but because you were there. We know Steves spirit will live on in all of us blessed to be a part of his life. Steven is survived by his wife, Loreta; and his children, Niki (Christian) Barwick of Ogden, UT, and Michael Woodward (Bret Morrell) of Glendale, CA. He is also survived by his grandson Vincent; mother-in-law Rose Tonti, sister-in-law Jean Tonti, Mary (Glenn) Miller of Ogden, UT; niece Stephanie (Tom) Franken and their children Lydia (who was Steves birthday buddy) and Domenic Franken, nephew James Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Betty and his sister, Joyce. Steve will be buried along with the ashes of the family dog, Reeces. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 6, 2015 at St. James the Just Catholic Church, 495 N. Harrison Blvd. Ogden, Utah 84404. There will be a viewing on Sunday, July 5, 2015 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm and on Monday, July 6, from 10:00 - 10:45 at the same location. Interment at Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd, Ogden, Utah. Arrangements under the direction of Leavitts Mortuary, 836 36th Street, Ogden, Utah. Please send condolences to the family at: www.leavittsmortuary.com There will be a luncheon at St. James the Just Catholic Church after the burial. The family would like to thank Father Erik Richtsteig for his support this past year. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to one of Steves favorite charities: Saint Joseph High School Boosters attn: Jeff Lowder, 5026 S 2325 W Roy, UT 84067, or Saint James Dream to Finality Fund, 495 N Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 84404. Dont cry because its over. Smile because it happened. Dr. Suess Visitation Information Date: Sunday, July 5, 2015 Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm St. James the Just Catholic Church Address: 495 N. Harrison Blvd., , Ogden, Utah, | Map Friends my greet family prior to services Monday, July 6 from 10:00 to 10:45 am Service Information Date: Monday, July 6, 2015 Time: 11:00 am - St. James the Just Catholic Church Address: 495 N. Harrison Blvd., , Ogden, Utah, | Map Cemetery Information Date: Monday, July 6, 2015 Washington Heights Memorial Park Address: 4500 Washington Blvd , , Ogden, UT, | Map