Whether he's on stage, in the grandstands or holding a bridge hand, Ron Woofter finds enjoyment in and a passion for everything he does.
The former owner of Luckey Oil Equipment retired from the business world, but not from life. After selling his business in 2000, Woofter increased his activities.
Originally from Hartford, near the Pennsylvania border, he earned his bachelor's degree from Ohio Northern University in 1961; and his master's in education from Bowling Green State University in 1963. ONU honored him in 1996 with a distinguished alumni award.
Never one to stop learning, he is taking Spanish at Bowling Green State University.
Currently, Woofter, age 69, is in rehearsal for the annual First United Methodist Dinner Theater production of "Catch Me if You Can." He has been a regular member of the church and its dinner theater cast for 25 years, mostly playing character roles.
Barbara Lockhard-Zimmerman and Bob Hastings have both directed him in various productions.
"The audience loves him," Lockhard-Zimmerman said. "He always added to every production he was in."
She recalled several occasions when Woofter would ad lib lines to the delight of both the audience and others in the production.
"He's an amusing person to be around. He lifts everybody's spirit," she added.
In addition to his church performances, he has appeared in several Black Swamp Players productions. His most recent was in "Harvey." Many may recall his role in "Will Rogers' Follies," playing the title character's father.
Hastings recalls an amusing scene where Woofter had to climb a ladder after his character had died and then acted like "he was crawling down from heaven."

Calling him a true character actor, he added, "He's a blast, He can play any funny character."
"I love the audience reaction," Woofter said. "That's the most rewarding thing."
Local bridge players also know him as a formidable opponent. He has achieved the rank of Silver Life Master from the American Contract Bridge League. With more than 1,200 masterpoints earned in clubs as well as local and national tournaments, he ranks among the top 12 percent of bridge players in the country.
He is also a certified teacher and director with the ACBL, and is now serving on the local unit board of directors. Woofter is also one of the co-owners of the Bowling Green Duplicate Bridge Club. In addition to the Bowling Green club, he also is a regular player in clubs in Perrysburg, Fostoria and Toledo.
He says bridge is "just plain fun" and a "very fair game."
One of his motivations to become a teacher was selfish.
"I wanted to expand the pool of players, so I won't be playing solitaire when I'm 80."
Woofter has several regular partners, but is equally comfortable playing with others.
"It's very enjoyable to come and play each week," said Don Scheibly of Fostoria, a regular partner.
It's not unusual to hear lots of laughter coming from their table, no matter their opponents.
Another regular partner, Lorene Hall of Bowling Green, says she always looks forward to her games with Woofter. Noting the enjoyment, she added "I expect to learn a few things from him."
Woofter's bridge interests have taken him to play on the Queen Mary, as well as tournaments from California to Florida; and numerous cities around the country.
He loves to travel; and as the oldest of seven children, he also frequently visits family members.
Beyond his humor, Woofter is also dedicated to helping others.
One notable effort involved supporting a brother and sister who were among the Vietnamese boat children. In April 1981, before moving to BG, Woofter, himself a Vietnam Army veteran, welcomed the pair into his home for 14 months and later continued to support them financially and emotionally. Thai T. Chau and his sister, Phuong Hoang, are both now successful in careers in Findlay and Hilliard, respectively, with families of their own.
Woofter also serves as the Peace Advocate at his church, and is involved with the Toledo Area Committee on Central America.
He is also an avid fan of BGSU sports. The season-ticket holder for football and men's basketball is also a member of the Falcon Club and an avid supporter of high school sports. He and one of his brothers regularly attend the state basketball playoffs.
When not on stage or at the bridge table, he can be found playing the piano, reading, riding his bicycle or swimming at the university.
"He has so many interests," Hall noted. "Sometimes, he just amazes me."
Virtually everyone noted Woofter's humor, his kind heart and his dedicated effort in all his endeavors.
"He is always willing to be helpful," Lockhard-Zimmerman stated. "I can't say enough about what he has meant to me in doing these shows and as a human being."