Dakota "Doc" James Woodard

Dakota James “Doc” Woodard, a resident of Dorris, California, a veterinarian and lover of animals and life, unexpectedly went to be with his Savior on January 17, 2020 while doing what he loved on his ranch. He was 31 years old.

Doc was born to Scott and Cathy (Fuhrman) Woodard in Alamogordo, New Mexico on February 1, 1988. He graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science and a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University. Doc went on to found Broken W Cattle and Quarter Horses, and owned his veterinary practice with his wife, traveling to provide the best care for animals and their families. He will be remembered by all for his life-giving humor, his compassionate heart, his wit, and his unapologetic approach to living life to its fullest.

Doc is survived by his parents, his wife Kelsey (Ericson) Woodard, whom he married on September 14, 2019, his sister Joscyln (Jonathan) Patrick, grandmother Penny Woodard, and his niece and nephews Addisyn and Truxton Patrick who miss their “Dodo,” in addition to many other relatives who adored him. He is preceded by maternal and paternal great grandparents, maternal grandparents James and Mary Fuhrman, and paternal grandfather Ronald Woodard, and aunt Brenda Peeler.

Dakota’s life will be celebrated by all who loved him with two services. The first is February 22, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Dorris Community Center. The second service will be in Ruidoso, New Mexico at Angus Church of the Nazarene on February 29, 2020 at noon. A scholarship is being set up in his honor at the Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine as well as for the LaPine Rodeo. You will be missed, cowboy- but we are thankful that by His grace we have the hope that we will see you again, soon.