Dear Laurie and Hannah: We are so surprised to hear the sad news. Our daughter, Christina was friends with Hannah since they were two years old in gymnastics class. Rob was a very devoted dad for Hannah. We are lucky to get to know your wonderful family. My husband, Charles has great memories playing tennis with him, going to an Irish pub, etc. Girls had lots of activities together over the years, and one of them was when Rob took the girls on a gold mine camping trip. They had a memorable time. One of the holiday memories was to go see the Festival of Lights with everybody in our van. Rob will be greatly missed. 
With lots love, from the Lundberg family

Family and friends of Rob,
It is with sadness that I learned of Rob’s passing. Rob  helped me to navigate the ways of Sacramento when I first started to work at the Yurok Tribe. Our paths crossed many times over the decades.
Walk in beauty big brother.
Tom Gates

We met the Wood family when Hannah and our Son, Alex, were in early preschool.
We enjoyed many outings and parties!
I can still remember the pride Rob showed in new his family and his life!
He was always so kind, and interested in learning about everything!
We felt so lucky to have known him and send our love to Laurie and Hannah.
The Strack Family

Rob used to tell me before heading home for the day: "I came, I saw, and I left." In the time he was here, he had a very full life and touched a lot of people with his work. He used to have a lot of stories to share with me at the office, and I believe he experienced everything that life had to offer. I'm hoping everyone can find peace in this time. Sending you my condolences and well wishes, Emily

My deepest condolences to Rob's family.  I worked with Rob at the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) and learned so much from him about tribal cultural resources and California history.  He was generous with his knowledge and patient with those like me who were trying to learn.  He was also very proud of his Cherokee heritage and his family.  The NAHC was lucky to have him as such a knowledgeable and stalwart advocate for the protection of tribal cultural resources.

It was always good to see Rob as part of his High School Zoom family;  and to hear his sports updates.  He will be sorely missed.

Rod Hayes

My sincerest and deepest regards to Rob's loved ones, especially his wife Laurie and daughter Hannah. May these days be filled with the best memories of your husband and father. Always keep those loving thoughts close to your heart.
Prayers for peace and comfort to surround you and carry you through to your tomorrow's. 
Thank you, Laurie and Hannah, for sharing Rob and his talents with all of us. We can see the blessings of his gifts in the people he touched and the work that he did. We and the world Rob leaves behind are better because of him.
Chris Stoots, 
Cherokee brother, fellow Veteran, and long time associate member of Cherokee Club of Northern California, now Cherokees of Northern Central Valley.

Rob was passionate about his commitment to California tribes in his work with the Indian Museum and native events. He was especially devoted to the Cherokees in Northern California and spent years participating in their activities. It was a pleasure to know and work with Rob. May his dedication be remembered and his work continue.

I have good memories of Rob when we toured the new California Indian Heritage Center site, when he was with the NAHC. He was very kind and a good person. 

Sending my sincere condolences to the Wood family, 
Pattie Garcia

My wife Liz and I are saddened hearing of Rob's death. We became acquainted with Rob as a fellow Cherokee Nation Citizen.  Rob was a recipient of the  Cherokee Nation Honored Elder status. Rob was our  first organizing leader for the "Cherokees of Northern Central Valley", Sacramento in 2006. Rob was an accomplished, talented inspirational leader and long time active member. Rob was beloved by all who met and knew him. Our sincere condolences to Laurie, Hannah and family. Mike & Liz Webb

Dear Laurie and Hannah,

I'm deeply touched by the loss of your husband and dad. I fondly remember the warm welcome at your home back in 2009, where he will always be part of a cherished memory.

When I read the text on his life course, it's clear that he made an impact on many, you as his family, and through his work as a conservator. I sincerely hope we get the chance to visit the musea he worked in together one day.

Expressing my deepest sympathies and wishing you strength to carry your loss.

Love,
Isabel

Rob was a friend of many people, and rightfully so. He got  along with everyone and knew how to engage people in very positive, constructive, and meaningful ways. He was such an asset to the Native American Heritage Commission and California State Parks. I always appreciated his ideas and comments, bringing everyone back to the things that mattered most--especially working on behalf of others. My family and I are sending condolences to Rob's family, friends, and tribal members.  Cliff Trafzer, University of California, Riverside

Dear Laurie, Hannah & family,

Sending you love and light at this difficult time. I worked with Rob at the State Indian Museum and fondly remember him riding his recumbent bike to/from work. He was passionate about his work and Nature, and will be missed by all of us a the California Indian Heritage Center Foundation.

Rob always came into work with the best socks. It was always a treat to see and talk to him. I'm thankful to have the privilege of knowing Rob.

OBITUARY

Robert McCoy Wood

July 23, 1948 – February 18, 2024

Lombard Funeral Home

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