Robert fought the good fight right to the very end.  He was an inspiration to me as to many.
He didn't complainand kept a positive humorous attitude. Being a farmer and rancher he understood very well the cycles of life, but Robert .. still had a lot of work he wanted to do. 

Robert spent his whole life working hard, never at just one job. 
On September 4th 1942 Robert was born in Albany Ca and lived in Richmond Ca for a few years. His Dad worked in the Shipyards during the war. The family moved to San Martin in 1946 or so. 
Robert was the oldest of a large family. His Dad was Norvin Robert Wood and Mom was Eleanor Barrow Wood. Their children were Robert, Tom, Kathy, David, Cecile and step sister Vicky.  Two step brothers Gary and Tom Portlock. 
As a young kid in the 1950's he worked at our Grandparents egg ranch in San Martin.
He still believes he was overworked and underpaid. Im sure he is taking that up with our Grandfather right about now. 
He worked in the butcher shop with Francis Butler when our folks ran the Food Market in San Martin. Including so many other jobs during his career.
Some of the stories Ive heard of all the mischief the young boys would get into in the early San Martin days make me shudder. It sounds like they had a lot of fun and got away with it. 

His 36 years working in iron construction blended with farming, raising cows and other animals. Some how, he squeezed in time for family and friends and interesting collections.

Seeing the amazing buildings that Robert helped to construct throughout the whole Bay Area made me so proud of him.The Marin Country Civic Center, Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal, Davies Symphony Hall, and massive bridges  just to mention a few in the North Bay. 

Ican't imagine his life without the love of Lucille and all the Kids. He needed them to stay grounded.They all have been amazing, loving him unconditionally, and finally caring for him.

The Stories ~~~ Well,   That is a big part of Robert. He was legendary in his story telling, whether they were factual, fictional or just as he wanted to remember it.  Robert had mastered the art of embellishing a good story. 
I'm sure he raised a lot of eyebrows through the years. 

There is a questionable family story our Dad like to tell us about being linked to the Ogallala Sioux Tribe in Nebraska.  My husband Todd photo shopped a photo of Dad as the Ogallala Sioux Chief. 
For Roberts 60th birthday he printed the Ogallala Sioux Chief with Roberts face added and affectionately titled it Full of Bull.  I think  Robert loved it.

Ive always looked up to my handsome 
older brother, admiring his many
accomplishments in life.
Amazed at his strengths and knowledge.

In reflection of his early life, Robert lived through some trying times likeparents divorce and losing a close brother.
He coped in the very best way that he could. He liked to say he was the black sheep of thefamily . . . thats just a tall tale.

No one.. is allowed to live forever ... We just thought Robert might make it to 93 like our old Pop.
Robert didn't like funerals, but he liked a good party. 
So, ... A Toast to one hell of a cowboy.

Cecile Wood-LeGuillon (younger sister)
Read at the memorial party.

Happy Birthday coming up on the 4th of September.
You are missed by all of your siblings, family and friends.

One story I wanted to tell after I got off the open mike was----in the 70's Bob had a business card made up that looked like a folded over $100 bill. Open it up and it had his name and address with Badly Scattered Land And Cattle Co. On the inside. Folded on both sides it was a copy of a $100 bill.    He gave one to somebody that slipped it to a bartender in Auburn, Ca late on a Friday night on their way To Reno.  The bartender threw it in the till and made change for it.  The owner of the bar had the sherrif inquiring if it was Bob who was counterfeiting money.  He said it was his business card and there were hundreds out there. If some dumb drunk bartender made change on one they should take it out of his pay!  We laughed about that for weeks!

The Wood family is precious to our family because we have known them since I was two years old! That is when our family moved in on the same street as Bob Wood and his family. His daughter Sheri is still my very best friend. Bob and his family had a huge influence on my sister Monica and brother Ben and myself. Let's begin with the pets...if you are a little kid and you love animals, Bob Wood was the best neighbor in the whole world! Many times over the years there was a litter of kittens or puppies at the Woods home. Sheri, Monica & I would sit on Bob's front lawn play all afternoon with the puppies or kittens. One time he had about 40 (or more) sheep in his yard.  The entire yard had mama sheep running around with their young baby lambs frolicking and jumping in the air.  About a week later, there was tiny lambs in the laundry room area of the garage!  Before we could even ask, Bob said, "So do you girls want to bottle feed these lambs?"  When his Palomino horse Sunshine was getting ready to have a foal, Bob and us kids would just quietly observe her guessing what day the foal would arrive. He also got us all started in the 4H club with sheep and later steers. We have so many wonderful good times and memories of the fair thanks to him. We learned so much from him. He was always using every moment to teach us something.  I wish I had a book of all of Bob Wood's  wisdom.  I know I can always ask his son Morgan about anything. Bob taught his son Morgan not just about tractors and animals but about everything he thought a young man should know including social skills, work ethic, and family values. Family was Bobs #1 priority.  Sheri and Morgan's older sister Tausha was the hottest, hippest teenager around town. She would be getting ready for a date and ask us little girls which earrings or shirt was better on her. My sister and I were clueless, so Sheri always had the final answer. When the date finally arrived Bob Wood did his very best to intimidate the poor kid.  His voice would get so loud, now that I am a parent, I completely understand.  All the years we spent there, he never ever got mad at us for anything.  We were not supposed to build forts in the tall stacks of hay. However, us kids all agreed that as long we got out of the hayforts before he came home from work, that would be ok.  Well, one time he got home from work early, all he had to do was whistle. He had one loud whistle and it always meant something different.  It could mean "Come home", "Stop what you are doing right now" of he could just be calling his dog. All of us kids in the neighborhood were able to figure out the intention of his whistle.  As we grew up we introduced our future spouses to Bob and Lucille, because they are like family  us.  Lucille always looks like a glamorous movie star and her house is perfect. She is very gracious when we bring over someone new to meet them. Bob told us that she has the most beautiful eyes.  He was extremely proud to be Lucille's husband. We will miss him very much. We will always have with us the lessons he taught us all.  We will also have a lifetime of good stories to tell about him. Lucille, Tausha, Christina, and Sheri and Morgan take good care of each other. You and your families are all precious to us. We send you our Love, 
The Conley Family

I wrote Lucille a card and said I wasn't going to make it to the gathering, but last minute things changed. I'm so glad I went! Saw people and Bob's family that I haven't seen in years. Old Ironworkers buddies that we daily carried each other's lives in our hands getting those buildings and bridges up. Thanks Lucille and all the help you had to put that together.  Hugh Bishop

It truly was an adventure growing up across the street from Bob Wood. My sister Bonnie, brother Ben, and I practically lived at their house, and vice versa. All the kids on the street played together every day building hay forts and playing with the puppies, kittens and other animals that were always in their yard. Our childhood was full of bike riding, playing baseball at the end of the street, wars between the boys and girls, only to make up the next day and try to get the guys to spend all their money at our "store", official club meetings, riding mini-bikes and more. Bob helped us with all of our 4-H animals over the course of the many, many years taking sheep, steers and more to the Santa Clara County Fair.

One time he gathered up all the neighborhood kids and took us on his flatbed truck to clear rocks from a field. To him, I'm sure he was just getting some extra hands--or maybe it was fun for him too. For us, it was a great adventure. He'd offered to pay us each a dollar. I remember trying so hard because he was that type of guy. He was a hard worker and a true cowboy and you just wanted to do a good job for him. After we finished, we were covered in dirt but so happy to be together, riding in the back of the truck on a warm summer evening. He was loved and respected by so many people. Hundreds came out to celebrate him yesterday in a beautiful tribute. He was a great man and father and will be deeply missed.

We will miss Bob's telling us about the old days in Morgan Hill and where things used to be located around the area. I will miss taking to Bob about classic cars, as I was a classic car owner also.

Mel & Gail Byrum

It with sincere sadness that we send our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Lucille & family. We will sure miss Bob; he was definitely one of a kind.  But we know he's surrounded by loved ones and friends who have passed before--and now he's telling them crazy tales of what he's been up to since he saw them last! RIP Bob~ You will be in our thoughts as the we watch the hay grow, and hope whomever tries to fill your shoes does half as good of a job.  We will sure miss you!

Robert will always be remembered as he has a special place in my heart as words cannot express the sorrow I feel.
Love to Lucille and Kids
Bill and Barbara Brown and family

Bob attending a gathering for Chumley a few years ago.

Christian and Papa would go to the cattle sale on Tuesday's every now and then.  Christian loved hanging out with his Papa.

Thinking of  your family in Bob's passing. With sympathy,  

Bob&Carol  Fellom

Prayers and hugs sent from Tn. I grew up a FFA member a couple years behind Morgan and remember Mr. Wood helping me learn about feeding show steers and finding me good horse hay. I remember always talking to him at Gunter Bros Feed and him in his black chevy. My dad was a few years older and always thought highly of him and loved that he helped us kids with our Ag. I know a family has lost a husband and a dad but Morgan Hill has lost a great man and one of their last cowboys.RIP

Will miss you Bob! Had many good times together working side by side. I guess they needed your talents to get things done right up there.

Bob was a friend of mine and for many years we had breakfast together for the 30 years I ran a butchering business in Gilroy. He will be missed. My condolences to the family. KW KLAVER , OKLAHOMA

So sorry to hear about Uncle Robert passing.  May the love and support of family and friends carry you through the grief. Much love to the entire family, he will be greatly missed by many.
Love The Blankenships

When my two sisters and I moved to Morgan Hill, Bob's cows were our neighbors.  He came to visit us and told us all about our house and the neighborhood.  He was so attentive and helpful to our family.  He was a funny guy - he called us the three old ladies!  He made us feel welcome and protected.  We used to see him feeding his cows down in the field near us and he came immediately whenever one of his calves climbed up our driveway.  We will all miss him so much - a true modern Morgan Hill Cowboy.

Teresa, Andrea and Kristy of the Aunt Hill.

I knew Bob as long as my baby bro, Clint, has known his middle child, Sheri -- who's been my sister-in-law for 20 years now. When my parents moved us from San Jose out to "nowhere land" (aka: lil ole Morgan Hill) back in 1980, is where the relationship between the Byrum's and Wood-Dwinells began. Not only did our families have Morgan Hill in common now, but Clint and Sheri tied the knot and Bob and Lucille really went all out for their wedding. I think they had the whole clan in the bridal party! What a fantastic day. I met a lot of Bob and Lucille's family that day - wonderful people. My oldest son, Erik, and Tausha's daughter, Christina, walked down the isle as the ring bearer and flower girl - so precious! We were connected that day, as ONE family, forever. Many grandkids later and many family get togethers and birthdays, etc., and I can always remember Bob coming by to stop in. He may not have been there when they started but he did his best to "show up". Hard working man and he took time out to visit though and make his way around and talk a bit to everybody. Like my dad, Mel, he always had a story to share! Bob cherished his family and loved cars. He will truly be missed and my heart aches for my brother consoling his wife and kids and for Morgan and Tausha's families and for Lucille to move forward without her other half. I send comforting hugs and loving memories to the entire extended family. Know that Bob is up there on his peaceful property, covered with grazing cattle and horses, looking down on all of you and smiling and content, because of all your love <3

Morgan Hill will not be the same without seeing Bob and his dog going down the road.  Bob was a very special person who helped me out a lot at the Santa Clara County Fair with the Beef Division.  He volunteered setting up pens, fixing things in the Beef Barn and teaching me what I needed to know about Beef to make sure the Jr. Division Show would go off without a glitch.  Bob was a roll model to so many children.  Such a well respected and well liked person by everyone who knew him.  If you were having a bad day, he could always find a way to make you smile, make you laugh and make your day a lot better.  I'll miss seeing him working the hay field on Edmundson or working with his cattle.  We would always toot and wave in passing down the road.  I remember when he had cattle on the ranch behind me he would always stop at the fence and chat if he was checking on the cattle.  Morgan and my son were in 4H and FFA and Anthony always liked and respected Bob.   The world has lost a remarkable man and he will be deeply missed by so many.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.

Morgan Hill won't be the same without Bob as he was a big part of the community. Bob sold my son Clayton his first fair steer and mentored him through the process like he did so many FFA kids. Thanks Bob we will miss you! Kerry Carlson

Love you Pop. You were like a father to me and will be greatly missed. RIP

I loved you so much and will miss those long telephone visits.  Thanks for the memories that you shared with me.

The last time we saw Robert was shortly after Pop's passing.  We all met up for dinner at Pop's favorite haunt in Ridgefield, Washington for dinner.  Robert started reminiscing about the car he gave to me that I ended up selling.  After all these years he was still upset (or pretended to be).  But the story ended up leading to more, and we were all laughing through the entire dinner.  That's a gift that will be greatly missed by all that knew him.  Thank you for your humor, your caring and for being a big brother to me.

Will miss you Robert. I learned more about cows in one day than in my whole lifetime. Morgan Hill just won't seem the same without you. Love you brother-in-law. Rest in peace. Marion

Uncle Robert this candle burns for you. It reminds us how much you are loved and will continue to be with us in memory. You will be missed. I love you.

Robert you have been an inspiration to so many people. Caring for animals and working so hard in the fields that feed so many cows and horses. Sharing your knowledge with so many people and children. Helping out people when ever they needed a hand. Making people laugh with your never ending stories. 
Loving your family and being so strong right up to your moving on. I hope they have tractors in heaven.  XOX

RIP Papa!  I miss you so so much!
Love you! Your daughter.

Papa: You were the best grandfather a girl could ask for!  I love and miss you so much I'm not sure how I will go on without you.  Walking into the house will no longer be the same not hearing "Hey, Peewee!" or getting a shoulder squeeze as you walk into the kitchen.  So many memories I could probably write a book. Here are a few that come to mind of us with me at all different ages.  Cookies, pickles,picking cherries and grapes, walks to the mailbox everyday.  Patches my pony and we all can't forget that you bought me Precious and started the entire 10 + year nationally competitive rabbit hobby. What else trying to teach me to drive at the ranch I would hold the wheel as you would control the gas paddle with a stick.  Oh and we can't forget the one time we got a flat tire and we had to call mom and grandma to come get us.  You were so very special even making memories down to the last day.  Irving and I come to the hospital and as I hold your hand you yell out "Hey Irv" and pet his head! One last thing thank you to my loving fiance (Rick Schoenstein) he made sure he proposed before you passed so you got to see my ring.  Thank you for being such an amazing man and always being there for me.  You will live on always and forever through me love you papa!

Met Bob when we first moved to MH and lived across from one of his pastures. We talked a lot. Will miss him.

Pastor Downing

We hung a lot of iron together in 21 years working together. My condolences to Lucille and Morgan & Tasha.

Bob & I worked the Ironwork trade for 20  years together for many contractors.   Respect is earned, he earned mine! Had a lot of fun times at the ranch on Watsonville rd. that I rented from him.  Sorry I didn't get a chance to catch up on old times.  Hugh

I was very sorry to hear that Robert passed away.  Back in the 60's his stepbrother Paul Portlock was my boyfriend and I spent many fun times with Robert and the family.  I used to see him at Betsy's Café once in awhile and he was still the same nice guy. My condolences to the family.

I have had the privilege and the pleasure of knowing Robert since the age of 16.  Many wonderful memories of one of the nicest people I know.  He brought a smile to everyone he met.  He will be missed by so many people as he was a good friend to many.  My condolences go to his wife and his family.     Enid Hartley Fullington, Los Banos

So sorry to see you pass Bob.  Many memories and laughs to look back on.

Many fond memories and lessons learned from a great man.  I am glad that I had the opportunity to grow up knowing him and learning from him.  He will be deeply missed by many. My deepest sympathy to the family and his many friends.

OBITUARIO

Robert Norvin Wood

4 septiembre, 1942 – 27 julio, 2015

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