MBBA Lifetime Member Passes Away
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Ralph W. Woolner, 90, of Shrewsbury, MA died at home on Wednesday, September 15,
2010. He leaves his wife of 61 years, Ivon M. (Keller) Woolner; a son, Bruce W. Woolner of
Shrewsbury; a daughter, Caroline E. and her husband John F. Williams of Phillipston, MA;
two grandchildren, Nathan R. and Rebecca M. Williams both of Phillipston; and nieces and
nephews. Three brothers predeceased him, Frederick "Ted", Frank, and Richard Woolner.
He was born in Worcester to the late Frederick L. Woolner and Martha M. (Matthews)
Woolner and lived in Shrewsbury most of his life. Jack graduated from Major Beal High
School, Shrewsbury. In his youth, he was a competitive bicyclist winning many track and road
races.
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Mr. Woolner was a WWII veteran serving with the 9th Air Force, 10th Photo Reconnaissance Group in England,
France and Germany. He retired as Public Information Officer with the Law Enforcement division of the
Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Mgt. in 1982. Jack worked for many years with the Mass. Division of
Fisheries and Game, and developed the state Sportfishing Awards Program.
Jack initiated and publicized research identifying the safety value of the florescent color, Hunter Orange, carried
out at Fort Devens, MA in 1959. This color is now used internationally to prevent hunting accidents and for other
safety purposes.
Mr. Woolner produced and appeared on several TV programs covering the New England environment and
outdoor activities, broadcast on Boston stations and elsewhere in the state from the 1950's through the 1970's.
He was a frequent guest on the children's TV show, Boomtown. Jack created a weekly telecast for 13 years on
the WHDH-TV Dateline Boston series, receiving awards for the best conservation program in the U.S. and
Canada for three consecutive years. The author Rachel Carson requested his film footage for use in the 1963
TV special "The Silent Spring of Rachel Carson".
For many years, he participated in activities with sportsmen's groups throughout the northeast U.S. Mr. Woolner
was a life member of the Massachusetts Beach Buggy Association and the New England Outdoor Writers
Association.
Jack enjoyed traveling, fishing and hunting with his wife and family throughout New England and Maritime
Canada as well as gardening. He shared his love of nature, while promoting nature conservation through
speaking engagements, television, writing, photography and as a professional film maker.
Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations in Jack's memory may be made to the Congregational Church
of Phillipston - Renovation Fund, 60 The Common, Phillipston, MA 01331. The Britton - Shrewsbury Funeral
Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury, is assisting the Woolner family with arrangements.
For directions and Mr. Woolner's memorial guestbook, please visit:
brittonfuneralhomes.com
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