Ivan Lewis "Woody" Wood

WOOD, Ivan Lewis "Woody" Ivan Lewis "Woody" Wood, 89, of Plainville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, (January 26, 2005). He was born in Washington, VT, son of the late Walter I. and Annie F. (MacDonald) Wood. His athletic career began at Randolph High School in Vermont, where he was captain of the basketball and baseball teams. After graduating in 1933, he went on to attend Springfield College, where he lettered in varsity baseball, basketball and football. In 1937, Woody moved to Plainville, and taught Biology and Physical Education at Plainville High School. In addition, he coached basketball, and track, was the assistant football coach, and director of intra-murals, a position he held until 1943. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Kathryn (O'Dea). In 1943, Woody joined the U.S. Navy, serving three years as Lieutenant during World War II., on the SS Vitruvius and SS Jesse Applegate. He was awarded the Commendation Ribbon, and American, European, and Pacific Theatre medals. Returning to Plainville in 1946, he resumed his teaching and coaching duties as Director of Athletics and Physical Education at P.H.S., adding on golf, swimming, and gymnastics to his list of coaching responsibilities, and served for two years as Assistant Principal. From 1956-1976, Mr. Wood held the position of Principal at PHS, where he was known by many as ''The Hawk", for the watchful eye he had over his students. His numerous accomplishments during his career include publishing the Physical Education Guide for Plainville schools, and the Physical Fitness Index and Strength Index as Indicative Success in Athletics, organizing the Plainville Recreational Program, the Plainville Little League, several athletic programs at PHS, and lecturing at many Physical Education and Recreation National Conventions. His many memberships include the American Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and the National, Connecticut, and Plainville Education Associations. He received various honors, including the Century Club award, for over 100 victories, the Recognition Award from his former players, Sportsman of the Year from the Plainville V.F.W., the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Citation, National Coaches Association and CHSCA Distinguished Service Awards, Sportswriters Alliance Gold Key Award, numerous tournament dedications, and in 1974, dedication of the Ivan L. Wood Gymnasium at PHS by the Plainville Board of Education. In 1988, he was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and most recently, he was honored with the Presidential Award and a scholarship in his name at Central Connecticut State University. While dedicating himself to helping countless students over the years, Woody held various positions and served on boards in several civic organizations, including the Plainville Community Food Pantry, Plainville Lions Club, Boy Scouts of America Area Council, Hartford County and Plainville YMCA, New Britain Catholic Family Service, Plainville Youth Council, Park Board, Rotary Club, VFW, Republican Town Committee, Charter Revisory Committee, and the Plainville Student Loan Fund. He was a former member of the Our Lady of Mercy Church Board of Education, and was currently a Trustee for the church. In addition, Woody had a love for horses and driving carriages, enjoyed oil painting and woodworking and recently took up playing the violin. Amongst all his memberships, his most important role was being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was never seen without his lovely wife and dance partner, Kay, by his side, to whom he was happily married for 65 years. Besides his wife, he leaves two daughters and sons-in-law, Anne and Robert Zahnke of West Lafayette, IN., and Jane and Courtland Wilson of Avon; three grandchildren, Matthew Zahnke, Dana Zahnke Gant and her husband, Jason, and Lori Zahnke Jones; and three great-grandchildren, Cory, Taylor, and Kathryn. He also leaves a brother, Austin Wood of Montpelier, VT; a sister, Corolyn Osha of Randolph, VT; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Leyland, Stanley, Lyndell, Hazen Wood, and a sister, Doris Bell. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 31, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church on Sunday, from 3-7 p.m., beginning with a Vigil Service at 3 p.m. Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad St, Plainville is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ivan L. Wood Scholarship Funds, c/o Plainville High School, Robert Holcomb Way, Plainville, CT 06062, or c/o C.J. Jones, Director of Athletics, Central Connecticut State University, Stanley St., New Britain, CT 06050, or to Our Lady of Mercy Church, 19 S. Canal St, Plainville, CT 06062.