David Leslie Wood

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and community pillar, David Wood, who died on Sunday, October 12th. David was a man defined by his extraordinary dedication to his family, his profession in law, and the city of Fort Collins. His life leaves behind an inspiring legacy of unwavering kindness, visionary leadership, and limitless love for his family and community.
David was born on September 11, 1938, at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins. As the son of Paul E. and Claire S. Wood, the founders of the well-known Paul Wood Florist, he grew up in the community he would later help shape. He attended local schools and graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1956. It was there he met his future wife, Carol Bales. Their enduring love story began in high school, leading to their marriage in 1958 and a deeply loving partnership that spanned over 67 years.
David and Carol attended the University of Colorado-Boulder together, where he earned his B.A. in 1960 and his law degree in 1962. Upon his return to Fort Collins, David began a distinguished legal career with the Greagor and Greagor law firm. He later established his own firm, which grew through partnerships with college friend Bill Herzog and David Osborn, creating the WHO law firm. Charlie Bloom, Bill Darrough, and John Pharris rounded out the partnership, culminating in his long and respected legal career that spanned 53 years.
David had a passion for jazz and concert music. He played the saxophone in the FCHS band and led a small swing band outside of school that played at Club Tico at City Park in Fort Collins. He picked up the saxophone again in his later years and thoroughly enjoyed playing in the Northern Colorado New Horizons Band led by Glenn Shull.
A Career Defined by Service and Leadership
David Wood's professional life was a continuous study in high-level service. Beyond his private practice, he served the people of Colorado in significant public roles, including District Attorney for the Eighth Judicial District, United States Magistrate Judge, and Special Assistant Attorney General. He also held leadership positions at the highest level of his profession, including serving as President of the Colorado Bar Association and being actively involved in the American Bar Association. As the attorney for the Board of REALTORS® for the Fort Collins community, David helped create The Group, Inc. real-estate firm.
His commitment to local institutions was simply staggering. David was a trusted advisor and director for decades with several key organizations:
· Poudre Valley Health System/UCHealth (39 years)
· Colorado State University Foundation (43 years)
· First National Bank (40 years)
His impact on the city was clear from a young age: he was elected President of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce at just 28. He was granted the Young Lawyer award from the Colorado Bar Association early in his career. Decades later, the Chamber honored his lifetime of contributions with the Collins Award in 2017.
A Generous Heart
Alongside Carol, David spent over 25 years managing the Griffin Foundation, transforming the vision of their friends Pat and Edna Griffin into a powerful force for good. Through this foundation, David helped fund crucial advancements in higher education, health care, and the performing arts across the region, demonstrating a profound dedication to community flourishing. A man of deep faith, David's wise counsel and steady influence will be missed by countless people throughout the community.
David is survived by his beloved wife, Carol, and their two children, Jeff Wood (Debra) and Julie James (Scott). He is also survived by his brother-in-law John Bales (Charlotte) and nephew Ian Bales (Megan). His beautiful legacy continues through his five grandchildren-Katie Kennedy (Chris), Josh Wood (Nikka), Danielle Wood (Lee McMunigal), Mitchell Wood (Alexis), and Jack James-and his nine great-grandchildren-Hadley and Hayden Kennedy, Hazel and Beatrix Wood, Sloane and Griffin McMunigal, and Isla, Warren, and Lanae Wood.
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Service Information
A Celebration of David's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6th, at the Griffin Concert Hall at the University Center for the Arts (UCA), 1400 Remington Street in Fort Collins.
The family would be honored if you feel inclined to donate to Respite Care, Hospice, Tunnels to Towers Foundation or your favorite Healthcare, Education or Arts foundation in the name of David Wood.