Obituary: Alfred "Mel" Woodgate

Alfred "Mel" Woodgate went home to the Lord on Nov. 29, 2010. He left behind the love of his life, Hazel and three children, of whom he was very proud: Bruce Woodgate, wife Chris, Aleta (Cookie) Murphy, husband Dennis, and Cyndy Woodgate; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His sister, Sally Dunfield preceded him in death.

Mel was born in Elko on Feb. 18, 1918. He attended several schools in Northern Nevada, graduating from Carson High School. He attended UNR and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering, was a life member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He was a veteran of World War II and retired from service in the Nevada National Guard after 28 years. Mel retired from the Nevada Department of Transportation in 1984 after 35 years. Mel was a volunteer of Warren Engine Company #1, serving as president for 20 years. He was a past president of AARP, past director of the Nevada Day Committee, board member of the RSVP Capital City Fair, 1982 Carson City Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year, elder of the Presbyterian Church, past master of Carson Lodge #1 F&AM, past president of Kit Carson Shrine Club, past commander of the American Legion Capital Post #4. Other organizations to which he belonged included Lewis Chapter #1 RAM, Scottish Rite Bodies of Nevada 32, Capital Council #7, Kerak Shrine, and Carson Host Lions.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA, 95817. A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 11, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church, Carson City.