2012 drive memorializes “Windy” Withrow

This year’s food drive, Winter Harvest 2012, is dedicated to the memory of Donald “Windy” Withrow.  Back in 1981 Withrow was a co-founder of the United Food Operation and was a tireless volunteer through the years.

A long-time Saint Albans resident, Withrow passed away on December 9, 2011 at age 72. He will be greatly missed by the entire United Food Operation extended family.

Bob Wise with United Food Operation
Windy Withrow, at far left, is shown in this 1983 photo with other United Food Operation volunteers (L to R) Carol Haid, postal worker; Congressman Bob Wise; Kay Taylor, CWA/C&P; Elaine Harris, CWA/C&P; and Dick Dorsey, Laborers #1353/WV Water.

When he helped start United Food Operation, Withrow worked at FMC in South Charleston and was a member of United Steelworkers Local 12625. Then FMC plant manager E.W. “Woody” Wayland provided Withrow the time to help coordinate the budding UFO organization as part of the plant’s support for the organization. Withrow then spent many, many more hours of his own time working on UFO projects over the next decades.

 

5 thoughts on “2012 drive memorializes “Windy” Withrow”

  1. It is good to remember those who have tread the path before us setting a great standard to follow. Windy lived what he preached by example. The legacy lives on in his family and in us. Being moved with compassion, heading the call and helping your fellow man is the very thing our Lord asked us to do.

  2. My father was one of a kind who realized that 30 years ago, there was a need to help fellow West Virginians. He understood that the need for feeding the great people of WV was in such demand. Through the years, he taught his 3 children, and his 11 grand children the importance of helping those in need. I am remembering the first year that we worked in the old Kanawha Valley Hospital, the wind blew through the windows, it was creepy walking around, but the thrill of knowing I was helping feed those who were in need was one of the greatest things I have ever done in my life. Daddy, may you smile down this year and help keep those food pantries full!!!

  3. What a nice tribute to a really great guy. I have a lot of fond memories of tossing sacks of potatoes through the line of volunteers, including Windy and his son Chris, to load the trucks. He was one of a kind, and he will truly be missed.

  4. My grandpa was a remarkable person. I remember hearing him talk about the food drives and the early mornings he and my dad would go out to volunteer. Really instilled the importance of helping those in need and giving back to your community.

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