Obituary: Robert William Wood

Robert William Wood 1926 ~ 2005 Robert William Wood, 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on Friday, January 28, 2005 surrounded by his family. Bob was born September 19, 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Laura Villetta Cowley Wood and Alan Gentry Wood. Bob's father died when Bob was 18 leaving him with the responsibility of running the family grocery business. He graduated from East High and served an LDS mission in Argentina. Upon returning, he married his sweetheart Barbara Jacobs, August 24, 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple. He attended the University of Utah where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and Skull & Bones Honor Society. He graduated with a degree in Marketing and remained an avid fan and supporter of the "U" all his life. Bob became advertising manager for Associated Food Stores then Vice President and Account Executive of Harris & Love Advertising Agency. In 1959, he joined Dick Prows in a home building business. Together they built their Prowswood Company into a significant residential building organization. Part of the magic of Prowswood was its ability to find excellent employees and cultivate them into the leaders of tomorrow. The Prows and Wood team consistently built and safeguarded a reputation for honesty, integrity, and uncompromised excellence. Bob and Dick developed Three Fountains (first family condominium west of the Mississippi), Lake Pines, Cobble Creek, Old Farm, Brookstone, Stillwater, Waterbury and The Springs of Country Woods, just to name a few. Bob and Dick had a successful partnership with complimentary talents and mutual trust. Their communities continue to exemplify excellence. Bob was not only a builder in his industry, but also a builder of men. His greatest accomplishment was his positive influence on the people he loved. He was a man of integrity with a remarkable blend of strength, humility, and compassion. When faced with challenges, he never compromised his principles. Bob was a faithful member of the LDS church in every sense. His greatest loves were scouting, missionary and temple work. He served the church in many capacities including Bishopric, Stake Presidency, Church Pageant Committee and Temple Sealer. He was a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Bob loved Arabian horses. Wood's Arabians set the foundation for his children to win several national championships. Bob was a prominent leader in the community. He served as President of the Home Builders Association, chairman of the Marketing Committee for the National Association of Home Builders, Commissioner and Chairman of the Salt Lake County Housing Authority. For almost 50 years, he served as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Dan's Foods. For six years, Bob served as a Director and Treasurer of UTA and was instrumental in making Light Rail (TRAX) a reality. By Gubernatorial appointment, he served as a member of the Advisory Board of School and Institutional Trust Lands in Utah. Bob was the recipient of many distinguished awards including - The Presidential Circle Award, V.A. Bettilyon Utah Builder of the Year Award, Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Home Builders, and Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from the Utah Apartment Association. Even as his health failed, he continued with determination to go forward in purpose and commitment, mentally and spiritually. Bob and Barbara felt strongly about family traditions. It was the motivation behind the horses, the long-standing boating trips at Lake Powell, and bringing the children and grandchildren to the Wood home every Sunday evening. We, as children, express our love and appreciation to our dear mother for her tireless devotion to our beloved father. Robert Wood is survived by: wife - Barbara Jacobs Wood; children - Shellie Miller (Terry), Jackie Miller (Gary), Alan J. Wood (Debbie), J. Todd Martin (Kimberly); sisters - Beth Koch (Bob), Donna Johnson (Reid); 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday February 4, 2005 at 12:00 noon at the Cottonwood 14th Ward Chapel, 5165 South Highland Dr. (2080 E). Viewings will be held Thursday, February 3, 2005 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Dr and prior to the funeral services from 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. at the Cottonwood 14th Ward Chapel. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Dr.