Thomas R Wood

Thomas R Wood, age 69, of Torrance, CA, went to be with His Lord on June 23, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in San Francisco, CA, he was the son of George Wood and Martha (Hepner) Wood. After attending the University of Michigan, Tom worked at Hughes Aircraft Company as a Senior Staff Engineer for over 25 years.

He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol, and his loving son Dylan Caldwell, and many other family members and special friends.

Tom overcame many hardships and obstacles in his life but continued to have a pleasant demeanor. He was well loved and highly respected. He had an innovative mind and mechanical talent. He was a very gentle man and was known for his love of adventure and life, his deep curiosity and interest in so many things - from astronomy to PAC 10 football to roller derby girls and collecting coins. He also had a love for music - so much so that he taught himself how to play the harmonica, trumpet and guitar. He had a quick, dry wit and silly sense of humor and had the ability to make people smile and laugh - even during the most stressful of times. He loved to travel and experience new places, people and cultures and he was able to travel to many parts of the world throughout his life but his favorite place to be was at Yosemite. He enriched so many lives of those around him - he was a true gentleman and he will be greatly missed.

There will be a memorial service for Tom at Yosemite National Park on Thanksgiving weekend.

The family asks that memorial donations be made in Tom's name to Yosemite Valley Chapel, c/o Pastor Brent Moore, PO Box 456, Yosemite, CA 95389; or Restore Hetch Hetchy, PO Box 565, San Francisco, CA 94104.