Woodie Flowers death, obituary: Dr Woodie Flowers cause of death
Woodie Flowers death, obituary: Beloved Dr. Woodie Flowers has passed away. His cause of death was medical complications.
His death was announced by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in a statement that read:
Dear FIRST® community,
With heavy hearts, we share the sad news that Dr. Woodie Flowers has passed away from medical complications. We extend our deepest condolences to Woodie’s wife, Margaret, and all of his loved ones. He will be greatly missed by the entire FIRST community.
Dr. Woodie Flowers was Co-Chair of the FIRST Executive Advisory Board, Distinguished Advisor to FIRST, and Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Soon after Dean founded FIRST, he and Woodie collaborated on the development of the FIRST Robotics Competition. Woodie was also critical to establishing the ethos of FIRST by coining the term Gracious Professionalism® and nurturing its meaning in his every action.
Throughout the 30 years of FIRST, Woodie has been an incredible supporter of our mission, a friend to everyone he met, and an inspiration to our students, alumni, mentors, volunteers, supporters, and staff. Woodie’s legacy will live on indefinitely through the gracious nature of our community and our ongoing commitment to empowering educators and building global citizens. Our Woodie Flowers Award recipients, past and future, will carry on his legacy as mentors who inspire young people through the art and science of engineering and design.
Woodie’s wife, Margaret, has and will continue to be a key part of the FIRST community. She has graciously asked that those wishing to honor Woodie do so through the Woodie Flowers Memorial Fund.
We invite you to share notes of condolences and reflections about Woodie in a comment on this Inspire blog post, on social media using the hashtag #WoodieFlowers, or on the Memorial Fund page.
More information will be available in the coming days and weeks on additional opportunities to celebrate Woodie’s life and legacy.
Sincerely,
Dean Kamen, Founder, FIRST
Kelly Ortberg, Co-Chair, FIRST Board of Directors
Bob Tuttle, Co-Chair, FIRST Board of Directors
Don Bossi, President, FIRST
Woodie Flowers death, obituary: Dr Woodie Flowers cause of death
Read below touching tributes from friends and loved ones who adored Dr Woodie. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
- From Karthik K:
Dr. Woodie Flowers was my hero, mentor, friend, and the most genuine human being I have ever met. He inspired me to become a wiser and better person. He was the embodiment of Gracious Professionalism. He will be missed, but his impact and legacy is eternal. RIP. #WoodieFlowers
- From FRC Team MOE 365:
Today we received very sad news from FIRST. Woodie Flowers has passed away. Woodie was a very special human being. FIRST is unique because of him, a true American hero. Please send white light to his wife and to all of us who are better people because of him. -Mr MOE
- From Anjani:
woodie flowers passed away. he made such a big impact on the FIRST and STEM community as a whole, he influenced countless people around the world and really did bring happiness. truly one of the most wholesome and inspirational people in the world. Rest in peace. #WoodieFlowers
- From Brandon Hernandez
7 years ago these students introduced me to FIRST. They introduced me to Gracious Professionalism and the ways of Woodie Flowers. I am forever grateful – they changed my life. As did Mr. Flowers, even though we only met once. Rest in paradise, sir. #WoodieFlowers
@OlatheEngineer