Harold Steven Wood

Harold Steven Wood
1944–2025
A leader of many, and a follower of One.
A man of deep faith and unwavering service, Harold Steven Wood of Highland, Utah, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, at the age of 81. He was a devoted disciple of God-a Patriarch, Stake President, and Bishop-who led with humility and love. Professionally, he was a dedicated public servant. He was deeply involved in his church community, a scout leader, a white-water enthusiast, a mountain explorer, and a ski instructor to his children and grandchildren.
Yet above all his roles and achievements, he was a devoted husband, a loving father, a loyal friend, an enthusiastic supporter, a wise mentor, a trusted advisor, and a source of comfort. His life was a reflection of faith, service, and love for God, family, and community. He was, and is, a leader of many and a follower of One.
Steve was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, on April 13, 1944, to James Harlan Wood and Imogene Roberts Wood. His father, Jim, was known for his passion for the outdoors, and his mother, Imogene, for her loving and caring nature. Steve was the second of five children: Robert Harlan Wood (1940–2018), Geral Wood (1948–1959), Roger Scott Wood (1950), and Harlan Jerry Wood (1955).
Steve's idyllic childhood was spent in the mountains and rivers of northern Utah, rural Idaho, and 1950s Iran. Nature was the backdrop of countless family memories-camping, fishing, and hunting together. He survived two near-death experiences while in Iran: one from a car accident, and another when he was shot at by Iraqi border patrol on a hunting trip for gazelle. He first learned to ski at AbAli, Iran, when his father rented skis on New Year's Day, 1955-an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for the sport.
From 1963 to 1965, Steve served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Leeds, England. His mission deepened his lifelong devotion to God and service.
He met his eternal companion, Onalee Reeve, at Utah State University. She caught his attention with her beauty and spunk when she called him a "big chicken" for not following her to the front rows for better seats. He got up and followed her-and never stopped. They were sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on June 8, 1967.
Steve and Onalee were blessed with six children; three daughters and three sons. He was dedicated to teaching them to work and play. Pulling weeds in the garden, completing paper routes, and participating in service projects were balanced by ski lessons, family camping, road trips throughout the Mountain West, and stargazing on summer nights.
Onalee's Michigan roots led Steve to pursue a Master's in Public Administration at Wayne State University. His first professional position was as Assistant Public Administrator in Saginaw, Michigan (1969–1975), where he learned to navigate a community marked by racial division and economic change. He honed his skills in negotiation and diplomacy amid union challenges, high inflation, and the social transitions of the 1970s. His public service career continued in Hopewell Township, New Jersey (1975–1981) and Basking Ridge, New Jersey (1981–1996).
He later embarked on a second career as Manager of the Northeast Region Employment Center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, helping people find meaningful work and develop professional skills. He wore out backpacks and walking shoes commuting in and out of Manhattan, and relished road trips across New York, Maine, Nova Scotia, and New Hampshire to train local church leaders. He found joy in helping others grow-and always managed to squeeze in a ski run or mountain hike along the way. Throughout his life, he embodied the truth that service is the highest form of leadership.
Steve embraced Scouting as a way to mentor youth and fulfill his church responsibilities. Alongside dedicated men and women in the Tri-State area, he helped organize a Church-run summer Scout Camp for more than a decade-a remarkable feat for an all-volunteer team. He was known for his energy, humor, and the camp tradition of his beloved "Camp Bike." Each summer, scouts would mischievously "borrow" his bike, hiding it in increasingly creative locations: perched on a flagpole, balanced on a lodge chimney, or floating in a rowboat on the lake. Each morning's reveille brought his signature exclamation-"Has anybody seen my bike?!"-followed by laughter and lessons about good-natured fun, respect, and teamwork. His love for the youth and his ability to blend moral teaching with humor left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Harold Steven Wood became an extraordinary man by doing ordinary things with extraordinary love. He faithfully held family home evenings and family prayers, served God through his church callings, and found deep joy in offering patriarchal blessings. He loved organizing events that brought people together in unity and joy.
Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Onalee Reeve Wood, his parents, James Harlan and Imogene Roberts Wood, his sister Geral Wood, his brother Robert Wood, his son-in-law Gustavo Estrada, and his grandson Aaron Michael. He is survived by his brothers Roger Wood and Harlan Wood, and by his children: Stacy Wood Smith, Laurie Wood Meldrum, Michelle Wood Estrada, Brian Reeve Wood, James Albert Wood, and Steven William Wood. He will be deeply missed and joyfully reunited with loved ones who have gone before.
Services
Viewing
Friday, October 24, 2025
7:00–9:00 p.m.
Highland 31st Ward
5335 W. 11200 N.
Highland, Utah 84003
Interment
Saturday, October 25, 2025
9:00 a.m.
Highland City Cemetery
Funeral Service
Saturday, October 25, 2025
11:00 a.m.
Highland 31st Ward Building
5335 W. 11200 N.
Highland, Utah 84003
For those attending remotely, the service will be streamed beginning at 11:00 a.m. MST at: https://www.youtube.com/live/fGKlBdq2G3I. You can click the hyperlink below.

This man prayed for snow-–wishing to ski every flake-chased its melt with raft, rod, and canoe, and in gratitude watched his gardens grow from this life-giving water.
We gather in the spirit of plenty that our father embodied and look forward to your presence and living memories.
Our Cups Runneth Over.
We will be providing Mountain Spring Water from the Wasatch range for people to enjoy.
We invite you to bring a symbol of abundance in your life to share with others. It could be spring water, a beverage, a sample of your fall harvest, or a symbol of hope for the future.