Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
RICHARD WOOD Obituary
Japan Society mourns the loss of Dr. Richard J. Wood, president 2006-2009. Among many accomplishments during his tenure, Wood strengthened and deepened understanding and friendship between the United States and Japan, steered the Society's centennial celebration highlighted by galas in New York and Tokyo, and created more programming opportunity globally. A Japanese philosophy and religion specialist, Wood was Professor and Dean Emeritus at the Yale University Divinity School, and a chair of the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission of the United States Government and the U.S.-Japan Cultural and Educational Conference, an agency of the U.S. Department of State. In 2010 the government of Japan awarded him The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. In addition to his contributions to U.S.-Japan relations, he will be remembered for his indefatigable kindness, benevolence and support. Our hearts go out to his wife Judy, his children, grandchildren and all family and friends during this difficult time. Wilbur Ross, Chairman, and Motoatsu Sakurai, President
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD WOOD
Paul N Anderson
July 30, 2022
With great appreciation for Richard Wood--a fine philosopher, leader, and person--his contributions over the years have been greatly significant. From his academic service and leadership at Whittier and Earlham Colleges to his deanship at Yale Divinity School, to his leadership with the United Board of Christian Higher Education and the Japan Society, the impact of his good work continues long after his passing.
With love and appreciation to his wife Judy, whom I saw at Whittier Friends Church when I spoke there in 2017 to my former colleagues at Yale Divinity School, where I had the privilege of serving in 1998-1999, at Richard's initiative, I want to say thanks for a life well lived and for ongoing contributions made.
James Clement van Pelt, MAR '03
July 30, 2021
I met Dean Wood as a Yale Div student when he faced some dark times at the School, navigating them with grace until he had achieved what was required to ensure the survival of Divinity at Yale. There is a seminar room at the School named for him--little enough tribute for what he took on and accomplished.
James Clement van Pelt
February 13, 2021
Dean Wood was largely responsible for saving the Yale Divinity School, which when he became Dean was in a state of extreme disrepair. He led the effort to secure funding for a thorough revision of the use of the buildings and a complete restoration of the interiors. Along the way he worked with faculty there to update the curriculum plan and the graduation requirements for both the students headed for the ministry and students seeking the Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) degree for scholarly pursuits. A seminar room at the School is named in his honor.
Paul Anderson
August 24, 2015
Our family is deeply indebted to Dick and Judy Wood, who showed us such fine hospitality the year we spent at YDS in 1998-99. Our prayers are with Judy and the family; I am grateful for Dick's life and his many contributions to higher education, international relations, the church, and society. The world is a better place because of his life and faithfulness.
Andrew Kohn
August 10, 2015
Judy,
My thoughts are with you and your family. My year at Waseda with you and Dick has been important to me. I am still in touch with my Japanese family and we have visited back and forth. Please accept my sympathies and regrets at your loss. Andrew Kohn (1968-1969)
James Mussman
August 9, 2015
Professor Wood guided my colleagues and me during my study at Waseda University in Tokyo during the academic year 1968 to 1969. I have always felt a deep gratitude to him for his wisdom and kindness. With sadness we say goodbye to this wise man who has brought so much good to the world.
Peter Petite
August 5, 2015
I was at YDS from 1984-1987. I now live and work in China. I am deeply grateful for the work Dean Wood did at and for the Divinity School and for what he did for relations with Japan. My condolences to his family.
Peter
August 5, 2015
I was at YDS from 1984-1987. I now live and work in China. I am deeply grateful for the work Dean Wood did at and for the Divinity School and for what he did for relations with Japan. My condolences to his family.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in RICHARD WOOD's name
Memorial Events
for RICHARD WOOD
How to support RICHARD's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor RICHARD WOOD's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
