Robert Clayton Woodruff, MD

Robert Clayton Woodruff, M.D.

July 1, 1920 – July 19, 2008

Born and raised in Bay City, Michigan, and a graduate of the University of Michigan in 1948. Robert specialized and was Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Married for 65 years to Phyllis Bushbaum whom he met in college while Phyllis was studying nursing. He served in the United States Army and was discharged to pursue medicine.

In 1954, Robert moved his young family to California. The Woodruff family settled in Newport Beach where Robert’s OBGYN practice continued to grow for the next 42 years including service as Chief of Staff at Hoag Memorial Hospital in 1971.

Robert inherited his lifelong passion for the sea and sailing from his father, William, who was a sea captain for many years. Robert sailed the sky as well and was an instrument rated pilot. He was an active member of Partners of the Alliance, an organization of doctors dedicated to volunteering medical care to the needy in Mexico and Central America. In his last ten years, Robert became intensely interested in the Civil War and did much original research and writing on the Woodruff Family’s role during this period.

His forever friend and wife, Phyllis, two daughters, Barbara Cunningham and Janet Smith, and his son, Thomas, survive Robert Woodruff. There are a total of 6 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Zoey Billings. Bill, Janet’s twin, passed away in 1991.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 3:00 pm at Regent’s Point Retirement Facility in Irvine, CA. The family will privately scatter Robert’s ashes in the ocean on Sunday, August 10th.