Wallace Holman Woodham

Seaview resident Wallace Holman Woodham, son of Clyde A. Woodham and Dorothy (Holman) Woodham died June 2, 2010 at Willapa Harbor Care Center in Raymond, WA. His death was preceded by a long battle with Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Wallace was born in the family home in Seaview, WA on December 12, 1927. He graduated from Ilwaco High School in 1947 and married Ardith Hinkle on September 12, 1951. Wallace spent his entire working career of over 40 years in the oyster industry; first with his father Clyde at Ilwaco Oyster Company and later and the majority of his oyster career, with Coast Oyster Company of South Bend, WA. Ilwaco Oyster was purchased by Coast Oyster in 1951. Wallace managed the south Willapa Bay operations for Coast for many years. He also was a member of the Ocean Park Volunteer Fire Dept. for 30 years. Duck hunting on Willapa Bay and salmon fishing on the Columbia River were hobbies Wallace enjoyed for many years. He also enjoyed cutting wood on the beach, clam digging, and especially eating the clams that his wife Ardith prepared. In his retirement years Wallace spent time clamming with his two childhood friends Jack Austin of Bellevue, WA and Dr. Mark Stryker of Astoria, OR. Watching car racing and NBA basketball, especially the Portland Trail Blazers, were also past times Wallace thoroughly enjoyed. Wallace enjoyed giving to others. He gave regularly to the Salvation Army, South Pacific Humane Society, The Disabled American Veterans, and various other charities. He also helped individuals that he knew needed assistance. Wallace was proud of his heritage. He will be fondly remembered for his tales of his family history, the Peninsula and the oyster industry. Wallace is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ardith Woodham of Seaview, WA; sons Dr. Mark Woodham of Olympia, WA and Brad Woodham and wife Cheryl (Lovelace) Woodham of Ocean Park; and grandchildren Brianna Warfield of Ocean Park, WA, Andrew Woodham of Los Angeles, CA and Thomas Woodham of Tacoma, WA; and great granddaughter Mikaila Warfield of Ocean Park.Wallace is also survived by his sister in law Beverly (Trondsen) Hinkle and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Dorothy, his brother Howard, and his sister Leona. A celebration of Wallace's life will be held at The Peninsula Senior Center at Klipsan Beach on Saturday, June 19, 2010 from 1 to 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to the South Pacific Humane Society or the organization of one's choice. His guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.