Harold Edward Wood

Harold Edward Wood November 7, 1931 - May 15, 2025 Harold Edward Wood, (Hal to most, and Old Papa, Gramps, Dad, or Uncle Hal to numerous surviving relatives), passed away at his home in Forestville, CA, on the morning of Thursday, May 15th, 2025. Born November 7, 1931, in Albany, CA, Hal spent his 93 years dedicated to family, hard work, and service to community. He was born to Anna and Raymond Wood, and was the baby brother to siblings Albert and Jean. Hal spent summers working on the family ranch in Doyle, CA, with his much admired uncle, Philip Hall. After graduating from Albany High, Hal attended UC Berkeley for his Bachelor's Degree followed by graduate studies in Engineering at Cornell University. He returned to California and on July 23, 1955, married Judy Ann Fish. Judy was the love of his life and his inspiration for being the dedicated, kind, and generous man he became. Together they built a home in Forestville, CA, where they raised their 2 children, Douglas Gordon Wood and Corinne Marie Wood. Hal was dedicated to public service both in his career and in his personal life. He was the Assistant City Engineer of Petaluma, CA, worked in the Public Works Department at the County of Sonoma, and oversaw the incorporation of the Town of Windsor as the Manager of the Windsor Water District. He then founded and ran Russian River Utility, a private utility company in Forestville that saw to the treatment and distribution of water in over a dozen rural communities in Sonoma County. As a Forestville resident, he served on the boards for the elementary school and the United Methodist Church. He was a president of the Chamber of Commerce and honored as Citizen of the Year. He brought genuine humility, care, intelligence and humor to each of these roles and is remembered by many colleagues and employees as a much respected friend and advisor. Hal cared most for his family, which has grown considerably over the years. His son Doug married Denise Katherine Larson and together they had 5 children, Travis (Tiffany) Wood, Claire (Jonathan) Trappe, Jessalee (Patrick) Mills, Kora (Garrett) Northern, and Anna (Max) Gram. His daughter Cori had 1 daughter, Amanda Wood. He would often remark, "It's good to have your whole family living within a mile of you." Hal was so proud of his family and the ways they have carried on the legacy of service in Forestville. Of all his roles, "Old Papa" was no doubt the most beloved to Hal. He had 15 great grandchildren that were a constant source of love and joy in his final chapter. From tea parties to kindergym, baseball games to birthday parties, Hal cherished every moment spent with these children: Jaxon, June, Jett, Tessa and Tyler Trappe; Colton and Blake Wood; Marshall and Chase Mills; Walker, Gus, and Mavis Northern; Josie, Riley, and Bennet Gram.

A memorial service will be held on June 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Forestville United Methodist Church, 6550 Covey Rd, Forestville, CA 95436 . Reception to follow. *In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Forestville Youth Park, Forestville Education Foundation, or the Forestville United Methodist Church.