Robert Earl Wood

1915 - 2011

95 years young.

He loved family, God and Country.

He asked nothing he would not do himself.

He did unto others as he would have others do unto him.

Robert Earl Wood, age 95, a member of the Greatest Generation and World War II Navy veteran who fought in the Aleutian Island Campaigns died, June 28, 2011, at home with his wife of 66 years, Lois Jeanne Wood, and family at his bedside. Robert was known by family, friends, business associates, community members, and strangers alike simply as Bob. He liked it that way. His daughter Carolyn recalls, “He was a man who never had an unkind word to say about anyone. I think he liked and got along with everyone he met.” A deeply religious Bob held his wife’s hand early Tuesday evening while listening to a wonderful invocation by Pastor Lance. Bob had been quietly and vigorously dealing with the complications of blood cancer and Parkinson’s disease when the interaction between these difficult maladies caught up to a determined man. At peace, Bob fell asleep for the final time later that evening.

Loved by many more than he knew, an open memorial service will be held on July 24, 2011 at 1 PM at the George Primrose Masonic Temple, 3010 Becerra Way, Sacramento, 95821. All who knew Bob are welcome and the family looks forward to celebrating his life with you. In honor of his Navy service, arrangements are being made for Bob’s ashes to be spread at sea in the Pacific Ocean joining the many heroes of the Greatest Generation.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed & marked in memory of Robert E. Wood, to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA, 95817-2215. This was Bob’s favorite charity and Lois continues to volunteer her time here as a seamstress making garments for children in need.

Bob was a very special man. Known for his quick wit, funny jokes, classic stories, impeccable clothes and stylish hats, Bob brightened every room. Lois, his wife, recalls Bob holding center court at many a social event and thinking to herself that Johnny Carson had nothing on him. Bob’s memory for details served him well throughout his life. His friends and business associates would certainly say it was this characteristic which so often made for a special occasion. His timing was impeccable, his choices relevant, even if a bit irreverent at times. Always careful to sculpt his lines, he would comfortably hold court with the “boys” and the “girls”, the neighbors and the grandchildren. Privately, Bob was a man of unshakable determination, constant pursuit of perfection, steadfast humility and exceptional humanity. He lived a full life cherishing every day and not resting until he made a difference whether it was not forgetting to kiss his wife good morning, making almost daily deliveries of his home-made candy and jelly to many a surprised Sacramentan, photographing special community and family events, or volunteering his time, skills and resources to numerous community service organizations.

With little fanfare Bob gave back to his community and the brotherhood of men. Judith, his daughter, remembers Bob as a regular contributor to the Sacramento Blood Bank giving blood at regular and frequent intervals until the doctors told him it was best to save a little for himself. Personal records show he donated at least 49 units, and these records likely don’t include the occasion when he gave blood directly to a young girl. Without hesitation Bob traveled to the Sacramento hospital and lay on the gurney next to this little angel hoping he would make a difference in her difficult times. After the procedure Bob drank a little OJ, said his good-byes, and drove to Fresno preparing himself for the next day’s work and reflecting on the day as nothing extraordinary. Robert Prescott Lee, his grandson, remembers Grandpa inspiring him to seek out the blood bank in his hometown. Amazingly, his lifetime contribution likely improved the life of 138 total strangers and while not a common presentation, it is noteworthy to imagine Bob’s efforts replacing the entire blood supply of 6 people. Bob’s legacy will continue to inspire many to do the uncommon while thinking it common.

A 49-year member of the Free & Accepted Masons, Bob first joined the Blue Lodge and then, in succession, the York Rite, Ben Ali Shrine, and Red Cross of Constantine. A Past Commander of the Knights’ Templar and Emeritus and Past Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine, he cherished his beloved brotherhood of Masons. Amazingly tireless, Bob stayed active well beyond his retirement years including performing the duties of Chief Financial Officer for the Red Cross of Constantine well after 90 years of age. A passionate and endearing associate, Bob was well known for his memory of, and adherence to, the traditions and works of each organization. He proudly exclaimed one evening after returning home, “I’m over 90 and still able to do my work by memory.” Concurrent with these monumental endeavors, Bob was also a member of the Country Club Lions Club serving as President of the Club, maintained an active membership in the Order of Eastern Star, and enjoyed being a regular member of the Carmichael Lodge of The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.

Residing 66 years in Sacramento, Bob had many passions beyond the humanitarian work of his community-based service organizations. He was a sought after professional photographer for his keen eye and could be seen shooting weddings, organizational events, portfolios, historical buildings, bugs and insects, favorite pets, and of course, his family. Bob, a bit of a soft touch, would spend hours assembling fancy photo books, inserting negatives into protective sleeves, and cutting and assembling craftsman-styled picture frames for clients who simply paid for a standard photo shoot. A self-taught, exquisite candy and jelly chef, he spoiled many a Sacramentan with an unexpected visit and for the lucky a special gift basket filled with his special treats. A treasure to the community, he will be missed and remembered by many here as a true humanitarian and classical nice guy.

Married 66 years to Lois Jeanne, she will dearly miss him. Theirs is a storybook romance and life long love affair: A classic and classy story of an old-school romantic and American Papa.

It’s 1945. Bob is on his way to Sacramento after being discharged from the Navy. Joining him was his lovely wife, Lois, who he met on a special night in Reno, Nevada. While recuperating from a rough tour of duty in the oceans off the Aleutian Islands, he lost his heart and legendary cool. Lois recalled, “It’s Saturday night, Tony’s Dance Hall, and a chance meeting.” Apparently, Bob’s buddy excused himself for a brief moment after asking Lois for the next dance. Big mistake! Bob lost no time. He stepped in. Taking Lois to the dance floor, Bob didn’t let go for the rest of the night. Before leaving that night, he got permission to write letters upon his return to duty in Hawthorne, NV. Writing many letters, Bob followed up with a return trip to Reno two weeks later. Quickly on their first formal date, he proposed. She said no. He settled for a second date the next morning - Easter Sunday. First came church, then breakfast, a walk in the park, a sandwich at the USO, conversation, more conversation, and yes several more marriage proposals. Lois stopped counting. Alas, the day drew to a close. Remember that unshakeable determination mentioned earlier, he proposed one more time. She said yes! A surprise call to Lois’s parents, Elmer and Mary Landers, a week of preparation, and off they went to the preacher’s home in Reno with Lois’s mom, dad and sister in tow.

Always a family man, Lois completed Bob. Lois more than made good on her promise, “For better or for worse!” Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on October 3, 1915, the middle child of Angress and Ethel Wood, Bob had a deep and abiding love for his family - mother and siblings. Although Bob’s father left the family when he was very young, Bob responded big! Now a north town Chicago boy, he became the rock of his nuclear family - out went finishing high school and in came work, often multiple jobs, even odd jobs to make ends meet. Doris Marie Wood, his older sister, died at the young age of 18 from a hunting accident providing Bob with a life long respect for gun safety. George “Leslie” Wood, his younger brother, passed away at 50. Asked once what motivated Bob to start working out so late in life, Bob spoke about a visit to a family favorite, Dr. Ralph Billerbeck, and their conversation about his brother’s shortened life. In plain language the doctor asked, “How long do you want to live.” It’s rumored that Bob responded without hesitation - “100”. Neighbors recall soon thereafter Bob put down his cigarettes and pipe and took up jogging. A 55 year old Bob threw down the glove – he challenged a whole generation of younger folks, family and neighbors alike to run and run far if they expected to keep up with him. Quietly and in her own way, Lois kept up with Bob, in ways that he might not have expected, although learned to appreciate. Lois, 87 years old, cared for Bob at home; holding his hand that last evening, praying with him, and giving Bob his customary kiss good night.

Before World War II, Bob had many jobs including selling newspapers, driving trucks and delivering movie reels to theaters in Chicago. A part of American history he served in Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. World War II put him to work as a Navy gunner and instructor. More truck driving followed in Sacramento with gratitude to his new father in-law for recommending him to Teichert Industries, Inc. Never afraid to try new things, Bob made a move into the insurance business including door-to-door sales in Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto. It changed his life. He discovered in himself something he didn’t know existed.

Bob returned to school and found a destiny. Using the GI Bill, Bob earned his high school diploma and then his college degree in accounting. Soon thereafter, he opened his own accounting business and quickly established a reputation as an accountant extraordinaire. Eager to keep Bob just for themselves, a client, Handy Andy TV and Appliances, a then Sacramento legacy, hired him as their Controller in 1959. This would be Bob’s final career move as he would retire in 1981, 22 years later, as Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer of the corporation. Bob’s retirement party is remembered by many as one of life’s true picture moments. In very short order the planners realized it was growing into a major event and they moved it into a convention room. The doors were left open as the employees, past and current, wanted to say thanks to an employee’s employee. Filled with sincere, yet somewhat raucous memories of a boss who walked the floor everyday just to say hello to the warehouse, the business office, the sales force, the receptionist, the custodian and then the President, the evening became a testament to a very special man.

In retirement Bob continued his productive and admirable lifestyle never forgetting to laugh or make someone laugh. Rising each day to sun, wind or rain, no matter, he exercised for 1 – 2 hours. Several miles around the track at Mira Loma High School, too many crunches to count, 30 minutes more on the treadmill or elliptical and then breakfast and the newspaper. On to yard work and RV repairs, the usual visit with his beloved Masonic bothers and sisters, and multiple RV trips throughout the Country including crossing the entire width of the continent three times. Always time for his grandchildren, he rarely missed their school plays, band performances, studio shows, martial arts competitions and birthdays, even including them on numerous trips up the west coast to favorite campgrounds and one-on-one visits with Grandpa and Grandma. Occasionally Bob would have a uniquely eventful day like trimming his grandiose mulberry trees and suddenly doing a high-fly act with chainsaw and ladder, or going temporarily blind while driving at 65 mph to a community meeting, or buying his favorite natural art piece - a 5 foot tall redwood root.

As a member of the Five Generation Club, Bob was a father to 3, grandfather to 5, great grandfather 10 soon to be 11, and great great grandfather to 1 soon to be 3. Bob missed no chance to spoil his kids - Judith Trunzo, Carolyn Campbell and Dawne Lee. Carolyn recalls, “He made each of us feel special, like we were the only ones in the room.” Bob watched closely as each daughter married and brought him new sons and their families. His love and support extended to all and all will remember and cherish his words of wisdom and encouragement. Proud to have raised hard working and gregarious children, he just as often bragged about his grandchildren – Kristin Parks, Robin Ferrerra, Belinda Chin, Dawne “Michelle” Ciecek and Robert Prescott Lee. Each will remember special days where Grandpa Bob flashed away taking picture after picture and busting a huge grin when they noticed he was there. And then came ten plus one - his Great Grandchildren - Alicia, Rochelle, Boston, Mitchell, Maddison, Ava, Baylee, Matthew, Elliott, Anthony, and soon Robert and Alex’s little angel. Oh, how proudly he would exclaim, “I have ten Great Grandchildren and one more coming.” Bob would later proudly add, “I have a Great Great Grandson too. His name is Riley.” And when the news came that two more were on their way, he silently negotiated with God for 15 more years. Great Great Grandpa Bob will surely be protecting these new angels from his seat in heaven.

There are so many vibrant memories of this man living life very large, yet very respectfully. Bob thanked God regularly for his blessings. Prayers at dinner were not missed and always a kind word or request for special care for a family member and/or friend in need. He never uttered a word asking for special consideration for himself; Bob always put that burden exclusively on his own shoulders. Heard once to say, “If I had known how long I was going to live I would have taken better care of myself,” Bob understood what it meant to be responsible for one’s own destiny. He is a classic example of self-discipline and self-motivation. The grandkids recall a 90-year old man with early stage Parkinson’s inviting them to punch him in the stomach – not a flinch. Neighbors remember the same 90 year old man jogging behind his 4 wheel walker at near full speed – Parkinson’s disease and surgically repaired ankle of little or no consequence. His granddaughter, Michelle, credits Bob for giving her the personal focus to work at living healthy everyday. She seems to prefer yoga to running, but says she feels his presence when doing both. Bob was a life example of mind over matter, of charity over vanity, of altruism over selfishness.

Described as a modern-day patriarch by his son-in-law Bill, Bob was deeply loved not just by those in direct lineage to him, but also by extended family who he embraced as sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all who came to him via marriage, best of friends, and life’s happenstances. Bob’s home was the “go to home” for many a young person who needed a firm handshake, maybe even a firm hand. When stopping in to visit, it was no surprise to be standing in line. Already seated on the couch would be a now middle-aged man who had once been a neighborhood teenager and was checking in and thanking Bob for time he willingly gave years ago. In each case these folks were attracted to Bob and his home because of his tremendous commitment to compassion and friendship. All were especially respectful of his abundance of common sense.

It is with much love that his family and community wish him peace. He truly is a man due his rest. His earth-bound crew most assuredly waits to join him in heaven and while waiting sings his favorite song – “How Great thou Art.”