Robert “Bob” Leroy Woodruff, 77, of Hamilton Hill, Australia, passed away 10 April 2025. He was a retired missionary and educator who served for five decades in Papua New Guinea, Australia, Germany, and Kenya.

Woodruff received his bachelor’s degree from George Fox College in Newberg, Oregon, and both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Western Evangelical Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He also held a Doctor of Philosophy from Griffith University.

His first missions experience was as a high school teacher in Sydney, Australia. While in Australia, he met his wife, Susan, in 1971. Sue began her nursing career at Nazarene General Hospital in Kudjip, Papua New Guinea, in 1972. Soon after, Bob and Sue got married and the two joined together in missions work in PNG.

Bob taught at the Kudjip Mission Station school and served as the hospital chaplain. Sue was a registered nurse and a midwife. Together they served in academic and medical missions roles across the globe.

While serving as missionaries in Australia, Bob pastored both Sydney Enmore and Sydney Hills Community Church of the Nazarene. He then served as principal of Nazarene Theological College–Brisbane (1981-1986) and European Nazarene College (1989-1991).

Bob also served as foundational deputy vice-chancellor and interim vice-chancellor of Africa Nazarene University.

“As chancellor of Africa Nazarene University, he helped guide over 1,500 students, fostering an environment where they could thrive and grow,” said Carol Bestre, Melanesia South Pacific Field education coordinator. “His emphasis on mentorship and hands-on experience in education has shaped generations of leaders.”

Between assignments, Bob taught in classrooms while preaching in local churches, maintaining his influence within the Church of the Nazarene and pioneering the implementation of video conferencing across Nazarene colleges worldwide.

In his retirement, Bob made semi-regular trips to PNG, helping with education. He passed away during one of those visits.

“He left the comfort of his home and family to just walk among us, live with us, and most of all, to bring us the message of eternal life through Jesus Christ,” Bestre said. “He did not come for wealth, family, or recognition. He came with love, with purpose, and with a calling. He became one of us. He shared in our joys, our struggles, our culture, and our faith. His life was a testimony of sacrifice and a living example of what it means to carry the cross daily. What a painful loss, yet what a powerful legacy. Your labor was not in vain; you have touched countless lives, and your reward is great in heaven.”

Bob was honored with services of remembrance both at the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital chapel and at the nursing and education college. Rosen, a leader from the field team in PNG, wrote a tribute to Bob that was read at a memorial service in PNG.

"You spoke about your deep desire to return to Niugini, the place where your mission began—your second home,” Rosen said. “You told me how your wife chose your first anniversary for this trip back to PNG, a reflection of how much it means to you both...Oh, what beautiful feet came back home to PNG, even with your walking stick and unwavering commitment to the mission."

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Sue; his two daughters, Kristi and Katina; sons-in-law, Craig and Mike; and grandchildren, Isabelle, Ruby, and Ebony.

He was laid to rest at the Melanesia Nazarene Bible College Tuman Campus in Jiwaka Province, PNG. A memorial service was held at Persall Church of the Nazarene in Pearsall, Western Australia, on 25 April 2025. To view the service, click here.