MAQUAM SHORE, SWANTON -- Mr. William Minor Wooding, 87, a resident of this community since 1982, died late Sunday afternoon, Nov. 21, 2004, in the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans City.

Born in Waterbury, Conn. on Aug. 24, 1917, he was the son of the late George L and Ella Elizabeth (Asher) Wooding. He received his primary and high school education in Waterbury. Later, after attending college evenings for 13 years, while working and supporting his family, he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y.

He began his professional career in 1941 with the American Cyanamid Co. in Stamford, Conn. During his career at Cyanamid, he was credited with 28 patents. In 1956, he became employed as a chemist with the Revlon Research Center in New York City and later served as director of Biostatistics with Carter-Wallace, Inc., and Wallace Labs in Cranbury, N.J. He retired in 1982 and became an instructor at the Stat-A-Natrix Institute in Edison, New Jersey. Bill was also the author of "Planning Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials," and contributed over 20 articles to professional journals, as well as continuing to serve as a Biostatistics Consultant from his home in Swanton, Vt. He was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Statistical Association, American Chemical Society, Society for Clinical Trials, and the Biometric Society.

While working full time at American Cyanamid, Bill started a part time business called "Burnwood" with his best friend Moe Burnell. They repaired radios and TV's from the late 1940's to early 1950s, and also built original Burnwoods. This was all done to support his family, and at the time was quite an accomplishment by a very brilliant man. Although the business helped support his family, it also was an outlet for Bill's curiosity and life long passion for learning.

He has lived in Connecticut, New Jersey and Vermont. While living in Connecticut, he was very active in Civil Defense and was called to many disaster situations due to his HAM radio skills of over 60 years. Bill's car still bears the call plates, W2DNF. Also while living in New Jersey, he served as member, past master and organist for Princeton Lodge 38 F. & A.M.

Bill moved to Vermont in 1982 to be with his children and grandchildren. Prior to his recent illness he had been very active in Swanton's Seventy-Six Lodge 14 F. & A.M. and was responsible for the design and production of the lodge newsletter, "Trestle Board." He was also a member of The Supreme Council, 33 Degree, Ancient Accepted Order of the Scottish Rite and The Crescent Shrine of Burlington, N.J.

He was an avid reader and organist. Computers and other technology were his love. He had a very special place in his heart for his cats.

In addition to his wife Nina of 64 years, Bill leaves two daughters, Barbara Bose, her husband Bob of Maquam Shore, Swanton, and their daughter Susan and her fiance Mike Stempek of Decatur, Ga.; Beth Wooding and her sons Eric and David Kontur of East Granby, Conn.; his brother, Robert Wooding and his wife Alma of Wolcott, Conn. and their daughter, Robin Wooding of Whitefish, Montana.

The Wooding family wishes to thank Dr. Frank J. Zoldos and his wife Judy for their care over the past years; the staff of the Northwestern Medical Center Med-Surge Unit; the management and staff of Holiday House; Missisquoi Valley Rescue; and Amcare.

A Masonic Ritualistic Service will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004, at 2 p.m. from the Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton. Worshipful Master, Neal Speer will officiate.

Interment will follow in the family lot in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 12 noon until the hour of the services.