RICHARD WOOD

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...

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.

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...

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.