Edward John Woodfin

Edward John Woodfin Jr., 57, of Albuquerque, NM, formerly of Lansing, MI, passed away in his home February 15, 2013. A Requiem Mass will be held 11 A.M. Saturday, March 2, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor, with Father William Jacobs Jr. officiating. A casual Memorial Service and luncheon will begin at 1:30 until 4 P.M, Saturday, March 2, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Spartan attire is encouraged. Memorials may be made to the family or to the Special Olympics of Clinton County, Region 8. Those wishing to sign Ed’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ed was born June 3, 1955 to Edward John Sr. & Margaret “Lobby” (Miller) Woodfin in Benton Harbor, MI. In 1980 he graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s degree in K-8 elementary education, and immediately began teaching with Clinton County Regional Educational Service Agency. Ed received his Masters in Administration in 1989 from Grand Valley State University. He coached 7th grade basketball for Bath Community Schools in Bath, MI, as well playing an important role with coordinating track and field events for the Special Olympics. From 2007-2011, Ed taught in Bernalillo Public Schools in Albuquerque, NM. Ed’s commitment to continuing education earned him additional certifications in the area: an endorsement in K-12 Emotional Impairment, an endorsement as a teacher consultant for the emotionally impaired in 1983, endorsements for Special Education Supervisor, Special Education Director, and K-8 Building Principal. He received The Teacher of the Year award from the Council for Exceptional Children in 1994 for Clinton, Ingham, and Eaton counties. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion. Throughout his career he touched many lives of special needs and disadvantaged students. In addition to his love of teaching and Native American culture, Ed was an avid Spartan fan and a passionate chef at heart. He is survived by his wife, Michele Allore-Woodfin, of Lansing, MI; by his four siblings, Lisa (Lloyd) Mearing, of Paw Paw, MI; Jim (Annette) Woodfin, of Stevensville, MI; Mary Pat “Tish”(Jeff) Petrillo, of Highland, MI; Kathy Ann (Chris) Estkowski, of Pullman, MI; his aunt, Dr. Beulah Woodfin, of Albuquerque, NM, numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved companion Kiva. He was preceded in death by his parents.