Sherwood "Woody" Kent Jordan

Bethel, ME - Someone once presented a riddle, “What’s the hardest job in the world?” The answer? With a bittersweet smile and admiration, they said, “Being Sherwood Jordan’s Guardian Angel”. It’s NOT that he was reckless, he just lived life to the fullest which sometimes brought about ambiguous situations. It likely exhausted a few angels over the years, but they are now flying high after definitely earning their wings, and those who loved Sherwood are eternally thankful for all the time he blessed this world and helped so many people. His departure left countless, devastated hearts who will never, ever forget his priceless, legendary, intriguing presence.

Sherwood Kent “Woody” Jordan was born in Rumford, Maine on March 21, 1952, to Carol and Rodney Jordan. Within 3 years he became the big brother to Karen and Audrey. He attended schools in West Bethel, Magalloway, Bethel Elementary, Gould Academy, and graduated from Telstar High School in 1970, having been deemed one of their “most artistic” students. He later attended Paul Smith’s Forestry College in upper state New York, acquiring extensive knowledge in forestry and arboriculture which he put to great use throughout his life, often working logging operations, setting up his own sawmill, constructing his homes with his milled material, and also performed specified “tree work” for many years.

Sherwood’s passion for motorcycles prompted his being instrumental in the early stages of the United Bikers of Maine and their promoting rights for bikers. His general overall love of motors and moving wheels also spurred his organizing some of Oxford County’s first mud runs, as well as making his beautiful trails available for Jeep Jamborees for many years. His entrepreneurial nature and creativity fueled continuous ventures where his extensive knowledge in so many areas, combined with his innovative spirit, encouraged him to try whatever it took to “get the job done”. Whether it was his restaurant start ups and operations, or property co-management and maintenance, or utilizing his carpentry and masonry skills, especially when constructing his own homes, the results were interesting, artistic, and ingenious to say the least. It often seemed like there was nothing he couldn’t do, and he found ways to utilize “everything”! And if he didn’t use it, he was sure he’d know someone who would. His vision realized everything had potential and what might look like “junk” to some, Sherwood could display like a curator, often accenting with his love for rocks, gems and minerals, or his Black-Eyed Susans and other flowers and shrubs. Now, although his physical presence is no longer here, it IS a comfort to know Sherwood's distinctive voice, unforgettable facial expressions and natural quick wit are immortalized and forever available with his priceless 20 minute appearance in a Cybertruck review video, watched millions of times and available on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBCA3UfbOzI and also on TCN and X.

Living his life as a nonconformist, Sherwood was ahead of his time with advocating the health benefits of marijuana prior to it’s legality which resulted in some times of incarceration, where he most often gained respect and admiration from other residents and the management. During his last time away, Sherwood’s knowledge and abilities lead to his often working special projects off site and when on the premises, he was allowed to roam free on the grounds and even created a “sweat lodge” where he shared his Native American knowledge and traditions with those who were interested. Also while confined, Sherwood added to his already being extremely “well read”, and continually devoured available books and publications.

Sherwood and Mitzie Naples met in the early 70s. Although both were involved in other relationships for years, they always maintained a solid friendship and Sherwood became a positive presence in the life of her young son, Eli. He and Eli formed a strong bond throughout the years, and Sherwood’s “motorhead” interest and mechanical abilities have been a major influence in Eli’s life. Eventually, the friendship Sherwood and Mitzie shared transitioned to being a “couple” …true “soulmates” …a relationship they both cherished the last 20 years. Sherwood’s family was thankful they connected, as was Mitzie’s, enjoying many family gatherings with Sherwood easily entertaining all, including the many “Grandchildren” he inherited! Mitzie and Sherwood enjoyed numerous trips, especially appreciating their times Downeast, countless bike rides, endless “date nights” and mostly loved simply being together on “The Ranch”, in their greenhouse, creating their camp by the river, spending precious time with friends, and LOVING their 4-legged children, Moxie, Sadie, and Ricco.

Tragically, a horrific accident occurred on November 12, 2025, when a tree was falling onto the road as Sherwood, Mitzie, and their beloved dog Moxie were en route. Sherwood skillfully attempted to get out of its way before it landed but was unable to avoid its impact. In the process, Sherwood, in “protector” mode, threw himself to shield Mitzie and Moxie from hitting the windshield, taking the brunt of the impact and receiving life threatening injuries requiring hospitalization in trauma care for 8 weeks. Mitzie was also injured and is still recovering. Moxie, thank God, was physically unharmed. Unfortunately, although Sherwood’s diligence brought him to some truly miraculous stages in his recovery, eventually serious complications prompted him to say “enough” and make the decision to stop extensive medical procedures. Thankfully he was able to fulfill his wish to go home to his beloved “Ranch” where his nieces, Seneca and Amber, lovingly administered around the clock care, along with help from Mitzie’s sister, “nurse Penny”, where his precious pets could join him on his bed, and where “his Mitzie” tended their loving home. He again could watch the array of birds at their feeders, had a few visits and phone calls from friends when he was up to it, was often visited by his dear sister, Audrey, and the awesome home health and hospice visitors from Andwell. Within the presence of many of those mentioned, Sherwood made his dignified, quiet, peaceful departure in the mid-morning of January 16. 2026.

Sherwood “Woody” Jordan leaves behind countless hearts who loved him including Mitzie Naples, Sadie, Ricco, & Moxie, along with Mitzie’s extended “Naples” family, his stepson Eli Mann, wife Emily and grandchildren Eliza, Corman, Jolianna, Cove, Lilly, Miles and Woodrow, sister Audrey and husband Randy, niece Seneca Corriveau and family, niece Amber Brooke Kelly and family, sister Karen and nephews and nieces Aaron, Eva, Sarah, and Stephen, stepchildren Nick Richards and daughter Audrina, and Amanda Richards and son Jasper.

A future date is being determined to honor and celebrate Sherwood’s life and eternal spirit.