It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Allyn C. Woodward Jr, of Wellesley, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend of many on Thursday, August 17, 2023.
Allyn was a loving father and devoted family man. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of values, traditions, and memories that will be cherished by his wife of 60 years, Lois (nee Hutchinson) of Wellesley, his three adoring sons Keith (Karen) of Durham, CT, Craig (Julia) of Wellesley, MA, and Mark (Gisele) of Daniel Island, SC. Their father's guidance and unwavering support have shaped them into the individuals they are today, a true testament to his character. Allyn also leaves behind ten loving grandchildren (Caroline, Kristina, Tyler, Ashley, Jack, Alyssa, Allyson, Cooper, Summer, and Conner) with whom he found immeasurable joy of their company. His wisdom, stories, and laughter filled their lives with boundless happiness, creating an unbreakable bond that will forever endure.
Born on December 4, 1940, Allyn graduated from Wellesley High School (1957) and Babson College (1963) before embarking on a remarkable professional and philanthropic journey that spanned seven decades. He began his career and spent 25 years at Bank of New England where he helped to establish the technology lending business, before opening the East Coast Silicon Valley Bank office, where he became Chief Operating Officer, ultimately finishing his career as Vice Chairman of Adams, Harkness & Hill (later becoming Canaccord Genuity). Throughout his career he was an active board member advising more than a dozen public and private companies. Two of his beloved organizations were Newton Wellesley Hospital and his alma mater, Babson College, where he served as a member of the Babson Corporation, Graduate and Executive Education Advisory Board, Board of Overseers, Investment Committee, Finance Committee, and co-founded the Private Equity Committee.
Beyond his professional life, Allyn spent much of his adult life navigating the badminton courts playing nationally and internationally for over 50 years, playing both singles and doubles well into his 70s. Golf was his other sporting passion. He enjoyed his annual trips to Scotland but was particularly fond of his Brae Burn Country Club, where he was a member for over 40 years.
A celebration of Allyn's life will be held on August 29th at 12:00pm at Brae Burn Country Club in West Newton, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to help find a cure for Alzheimer's at Allyn C. Woodward Jr. – Cure Alzheimer's Fund (www.curealz.org/outreach/in-memory/allyn-woodward/)
As we bid farewell to a remarkable man, let us remember with gratitude for the profound impact he had on our lives. May his memory continue to inspire us, and may his spirit find eternal peace.