John Waterbury Wood

Born in Salem, Oregon on July 4, 1937, to parents Charles D. Wood, M.D. and Florence Paulson Wood, John had a wonderful childhood growing up with his younger brother Christopher and sister Fredrika (Ricki).

John knew at the age of 15, he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and be a physician. He attended Willamette University, majoring in Biology, followed by medical school at OHSU in Portland. After his second year there, he met his wife Rosemary Doolen.

Following his final year of medical school, John interned at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon for one year, after which he served in the USAF for two years as a Flight Surgeon, stationed in Wichita, Kansas. When John’s F-105 Fighter Squadron deployed to southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, he served with them for two tours. By then John and Rosemary had two children, Mark first, then Julie. Following his miliary service, they moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he attended Vanderbilt University for a three year Ophthalmology residency.

In 1969, the family moved back to Salem, Oregon and John began his ophthalmology practice, forming Eye Care Physicians and Surgeons with partner Peter P. Rowell, M.D.

John was actively involved in the medical community, serving as President of the Marion-Polk County Medical Society, The Salem Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, and the Oregon Academy of Ophthalmology. He also served on the Board of Medical Examiners, often appearing before the State Legislature regarding medical issues.

After 34 years of private practice, he retired. Then came wonderful years enjoying his outside interests: he loved playing golf and he loved his golfing buddies. He loved fishing and he loved his fishing friends. Religion was a very important part of John’s life and he was able to spend richly rewarding time with his close friends in his fellowship group. The many friends he and Rosemary had made over the years were very near and dear to his heart, and so special to John.

Lastly, John loved dogs, cats and birds. He was rarely seen without a dog on his lap! He and Rosemary were married 64 years.

He is survived by his wife Rosemary, son Mark C. Wood, daughter Julie K. McFarlane (James) and one grandson, Johnny Waterbury McFarlane.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus.