Mark Evans Woodruff

Mark Evans Woodruff, 68, faithfully finished the race set before him in Austin, Texas on September 2, surrounded by the love of his family and the peace of God.

Born on September 18, 1957, in Bridgeton, New Jersey, Mark displayed from an early age an analytical mind, a passion for debating ideas, and a drive to make a meaningful impact— traits that would continue to define both his personal and professional life.

Mark’s life was anchored in faith in Jesus Christ that he and Lyn built together through prayer and service to their various church communities. Mark was particularly passionate about apologetics and the Alpha group that he and Lyn helped to establish, and he also led the Council of Leaders at the River Church for several years. He cherished the time he spent in Bible studies and prayer groups engaging in meaningful discussions about life, purpose, and theology.

Mark earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Delaware and later completed an Executive MBA at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Upon the rock of faith and education, Mark built a distinguished career in energy and infrastructure. He began his career at Diamond Shamrock in Wilmington, Delaware, followed by a position at Delmarva Power & Light, where in 1987 he transitioned into Delmarva's new Capital Investments division to deploy private capital into alternative energy projects. One of the most significant decisions Mark and Lyn made in their lives was to take a leap of faith and move their young family to Shasta, California to take on new professional endeavors and to explore the natural beauty of the country. After that first move, they never stopped moving and exploring the world, thanks to Mark's career opportunities with the AES Corporation. Mark joined AES when it was a young, ambitious and entrepreneurial power company and in his 20 years with the firm Mark led and oversaw acquisitions, project development and financings of power generating infrastructure in California, Hawaii, Mexico, the Philippines, Vietnam, Jordan, Pakistan and China.

After leaving AES, Mark founded MLW Energy Ventures, where he served on several boards and provided investment consulting services in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Mark completed his career as a Partner at I Squared Capital helping to establish and grow I Squared’s global power investment activities. He took an active role in investments at every stage, from sourcing and diligence through to management. Mark took great delight in serving as the Chairman of the Board for several companies at I Squared Capital, and he relished the relationships he made there.

His career reflected a commitment to hard work; principled leadership marked by observation and listening to others to solve problems; and a desire to build teams that were empowered to use their God-given talents to take responsibility and to have fun at work.

When he wasn't leading teams or mentoring others, Mark could be found on the golf course. He learned to play on the municipal course that his grandfather, George J. Woodruff, helped to design and build, and where Mark gained enough skill to walk onto the varsity golf team at the University of Delaware. He found immense joy in the intricacies and focus of the game, playing scenic courses across the country and around the world. He strongly believed that the lessons golf teaches were teachable life lessons — including the adage that became a guiding principle during his cancer battle: "play it as it lies."

Mark loved reading about the history of the United States of America, a passion he gained from his father and mother and which he shared with his children and grandchildren. He believed in the power of education to teach children to become and stay curious, to be lifelong learners, and to cultivate virtue. Given these passions, Mark felt called to serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Chadwick School in a volunteer capacity for several years, enabling the school to expand its reach with the establishment of a school in Songdo, Korea.

Those who knew Mark will remember him for his intelligence, principled approach to life, and devotion to the people he loved. Through his family, colleagues, and friendships, Mark leaves a legacy of curiosity, integrity, and love of God — threads in the tapestry that God continues to weave.

Mark is the son of the late J. Alan Woodruff and Grace Evans Woodruff and is survived by his brother, John Woodruff of Bridgeton, New Jersey. Mark is survived by the love of his life, Lyn Ann Woodruff, née Janiga, to whom he was married for 42 years. He is also survived by his son, Michael Evans Woodruff, and daughter-in-law, Corinne Woodruff, née McAndrews, of Alta, Wyoming; his daughter, Alexandra Doody, née Woodruff, and son-in-law, Patrick Doody, of Austin, Texas; and five grandchildren whom he adored and cherished: Patrick Doody, Samantha Doody, Maeve Doody, Wilhelmina Woodruff, and Wynne Woodruff.

A funeral service will be held on his birthday, September 18, at 10:00 AM at the Old Broad Street Presbyterian Church, 54 West Ave S, Bridgeton, NJ, immediately followed by a private family burial service at the Woodruff Cemetery. A memorial visitation with the family will be available starting at 9:00 AM at the Old Broad Street Church.

Mark's family warmly invites all who knew him and who wish to share memories of him to a reception and celebration of his life following the funeral service, at The Grove at Centerton Golf Club, 1022 Almond Road, Pittsgrove, NJ, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on September 18.

Details regarding future memorial celebrations at the Spanish Oaks Golf Club in Bee Caves, Texas, and at the Palos Verdes Golf Club in Palos Verdes, California, are pending and will be forthcoming as soon as possible.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Mark's honor to the Glioblastoma Research Organization at GBMResearch.Org.