Gary Dale Wood

Published in Idaho Press Tribune on January 14, 2011

Gary Wood (1945 - 2011) |

Gary Dale Wood, age 65, of Middleton, passed away of AML, surrounded by his wife and sons, on Jan. 10, 2011.

Gary was born May 15, 1945, in Oregon City, Ore., the second of seven children to Harold and Dawne Wood. He grew up in Beavercreek, Ore., and graduated from Molalla Union High School and Oregon State University in agriculture education, later getting a master's degree in education.

He began his teaching career, teaching for two years at Canby High School, and continued for 18 additional years at Molalla Union High School, the last 10 years as vice-principal. Gary moved from education to the private sector for 10 years before returning to the Salem-Keizer School District as a system analyst II.

Gary met Kathie Gardner, at OSU, and they were married on Aug. 19, 1967 in Salem, Ore. Together they had two sons Lynn Scott and Michael Eric, whom they raised in Molalla.

After retiring, he and Kathie moved to Middleton. He enjoyed traveling, reading, his BBQ ribs, auctions, and his beloved children and grandchildren. He loved pulling the sleds of his grandchildren behind his 4-wheeler and watching quail from his window, being thrilled to count 66 under his bird feeder one morning. He enjoyed building projects with his sons such as Mike's barn and chicken coop and Lynn's fence, and being a computer guru with Lynn and Mike.

With his grandchildren he enjoyed playing crazy 8s, reading books, picking kumquats, and having water balloon fights; and he always had shoulders for his grandchildren to ride on. He felt blessed to have been able to show Disneyland and Yellowstone to his grandchildren.

Survivors besides his wife, include his son Lynn, daughter-in-law Valerie, and grandchildren Caleb, Levi, and Jonah of Richland, Wash.; son, Michael, daughter-in-law Jennifer, and grandchildren Sydney and Morgan of Caldwell; his mother, Dawne of Beavercreek; brothers Dennis of Chevy Chase, Md., Roger of Portland, Ore., and Shawn of Clatskanie; sisters, Eileen of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Rebecca of Hillsboro.

Preceding him in death were his father Harold, and sister Lynne. A private graveside service will be held in Caldwell.

A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 21, at Hoodview Church of God, 1530 Mount Hood Ave., Woodburn, Ore.

Remembrances may be given in Gary's name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or Eagle Nazarene Church, 1001 W. State St., Eagle, ID 83616.

Published in Idaho Press Tribune on January 14, 2011