Obituary: WOOD, HARRY

Harry Jack Wood 1923 ~ 2012Our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Harry Jack Wood, passed away on May, 14 2012 in Salt Lake City, UT. Harry was born on October 25, 1923 in Adrian, MI to Harry Dale Wood and Veetress Marie Nash. Harry was a World War II veteran and POW. Serving in the European theater, he spent the last 8 months of the war as a prisoner in Germany. He considered his service in the U.S. Army during that critical time in history to be an honor and one of his most important contributions in life. He married Mary Rosalie Widdis on May 12, 1955. While living in Michigan, they had two sons. While growing up, their father enriched their lives with his desire to learn and do new things. Vacations always involved traveling long distances and stopping at every point of interest, whether historical, beautiful, fascinating or fun. His interests included astronomy, fossil hunting, camping, lapidary, painting, sculpting, pottery, gold propecting music and more. These were passions he shared with his beloved family. In 1970, they moved to Salt Lake City, UT. Although Harry had a belief in God, he hadn't as yet connected with a particular religion or church. His natural desire to learn got the better of him and after much study and prayer, in 1975, Harry became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1977, his marriage to his beloved wife was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. This added a new dimension and purpose to his life. All of the energy that he previously poured into hobbies and interests was now also directed to his study of and service in the church. Family History became his first passion. He spent many years gathering information on over 10,000 ancestors. He served faithfully in many church callings, a favorite being as a worker in the Jordan River Temple. As if making up for lost time, his faith became the foundation and focus of his life, and love of God and family were central components of that faith. He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed. Harry is survived by his sons Kenneth (Peggy) and Charles, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and sisters Ann Lee, Jean Pletcher, Pat Hill (Fred), Jane Dobbin (Bill). He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and Kenneth. Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 18th at 11:00 a.m. in the Granger 15th Ward Chapel, 2835 S. 2855 W., West Valley City, UT. Family and friends may call at the same location one hour prior to services. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.