Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Morton Stanley Wood

1924 - 2018

BORN

1924

DIED

2018

About

University of California| Berkeley University of Alaska Fairbanks

Morton Wood Memoriam

In Loving Memory of Morton Stanley Wood who passed away on August 16, 2018.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Aug. 16, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Morton Wood

33 Entries

Barbara Boyd

July 28, 2019

My condolences. Woody sounded like he had quite a life. I am sorry to have to use this venue, as I am seeking his wife Martha for my mother-in-law Sally Grussner Boyd. They were close childhood friends in NY state and she recently mentioned how she has been trying to find her.
(480) 253-2354 cell
[email protected] Email

Thank you

Harold Parker

October 9, 2018

Generous, considerate, observant, innovative, an intelligent and inspiring thinker, not to mention many talents, l could never get enough of Woody, from age 9 to 69 (the last time I saw him). I think that the world needed much more of him, too! Heres hoping that we will remember him by following what we can, of his many good examples.

Kaaren Trott-Jones

October 6, 2018

As one of the Trott girls, I had the joy of knowing Woody at a very young age. The sincere pleasure and happiness that seemed at times to glow from within him, as he shared a story of a recent adventure, in the mountains, travels or wherever he was, helps me recall that special gift he would share with others. I think on that now and the shortness of our time on earth.

Randy Howard

September 22, 2018

A dear man and understated in spite of his many accomplishments. I knew him from my roll as bass player for the Scandinavian band Speldosan, which Martha was a member of. I spent many happy evenings in their home rehearsing, with ice cream afterwards, of course. Those were happy days.

Woody at Camp Denali, June, 2013

Patsy Nordmark

September 22, 2018

Woody was such a positive influence on me as a teen-age staff member at Camp Denali in 1960. We had international sing alongs almost every evening. I was inspired by his embrace of the world's cultures and peoples, and impressed by his talents. It was touching to reunite at Camp in 2013. Here's to a wonderful friend!

Martha and Woody, Feb. 2016

Linda Fink

September 17, 2018

Skye Parker

September 16, 2018

I will always remember summers up in Seattle at the Wood house. Woody taught me how to turn bowls on the lathe and make forts in the trees as well as many other outdoor activities. He was upbeat and energetic until the very end. What a great man and role model. Thank you Woody.

Dana Visalli

September 16, 2018

I miss Woody.

Dana
Twisp

Kurt and Susan Snover

September 16, 2018

I feel privileged to have known Woody. What a kind gentle soul, so pleasant to be with. Woody did so much in his incredibly full life.
Here's a funny story about Woody. Among the many houses he built was a cabin in Eidelweis near Mazama in the Methow Valley. Eventually Woody and Martha, tiring of the long drive from Seattle, put the cabin up for sale. Even though it was beautifully constructed with huge log beams that Woody cut and hauled himself, the realtor told them it was going to be difficult to sell -- no indoor plumbing, no running water, an outdoor shower Jerry rigged from a garden hose and a water tank that sat on the roof. Well, Woody was so personally self-reliant that he simply could not understand how people could be so soft that this would matter.

Susan and I will miss him. Including the skiing and camping together, way back when. Martha, we miss you too a great deal, since we moved away from Seattle now over a decade ago. With much affection, Kurt and Susan Snover

Libby Hatton

September 11, 2018

Great hiking/camping/ working at Camp Denali/ driving the Alcan with Woody memories ...
A good man and a life well lived.

Tako Raynolds

September 7, 2018

Sam and I enjoy the pleasure of living in the house that Woody built in "Dogpatch" in Fairbanks. When we first visited Woody and Martha in Seattle, it felt just like home - with an emphasis on practicality and connection to place and community that makes people instantly feel welcome. Of course, Woody was always modest about his carpentry skills, and very aware of the drawbacks of some of his non-standard building techniques, but happy to see us so obviously enjoying his handiwork. Thank you Woody and Martha, for welcoming us as part of your very large group of close friends! --Tako

Trella Hastings

September 6, 2018

Having known Woody for many years, it is difficult to express what he meant to me. It is for certain that he lived his life to the fullest. I remember the many nights rehearsing at his house with Speldosan, talking about solving the world problems, walking with Woody and Martha and our dogs, protesting against war in Iraq, performing music in Kallispell, Mt., NW Folklife Festival, Swedish Club, dances, and other places, and most of all his kind and thoughtful words of caring when I brought my problems to him. To say he will be missed is an understatement. It leaves a hole in my heart. I hope to see you in life beyond, dear Woody. To all your children and especially to Martha, may you find comfort and peace!
~Trella Hastings

Woody and his dog Kolo, at Samish Island.

Trella Hastings

September 6, 2018

Playing music at Samish Island with Dave Mullens and Martha.

Trella Hastings

September 6, 2018

Woody at his home with my dog, Robbie.

Trella Hastings

September 6, 2018

Joyce Baker

August 30, 2018

Woody, yours was truly a life well lived. I will always remember your and Martha's kindness, generosity and genuine goodness in welcoming me to your wonderful home on my dance visits to Seattle. My sincere condolences to Martha and the rest of the Wood family.

Ellen Blackstone

August 30, 2018

I knew Woody through Seattle Audubon and neighborhood connections. What a great guy! Sending comforting thoughts to you, Martha, and your family. Take care.

Woody, Dec. 2008

Stephen Tschudi

August 29, 2018

This gentle soul; this open-handed sharer of skills and knowledge; this global citizen, explorer, and defender of the biosphere; this hewer and shaper, builder and maker; this avid thinker, debater, and doer; this music-maker, dancer, and ecstatic appreciator; this nexus of far-flung human relationships -- this inimitable man was, is, and always will be my precious parent. Friend reader, if you knew Woody, may he live on in you and shine forth in fine deeds and kind words.

Valerie Cohen

August 29, 2018

Farewell to a kind and generous man, and my condolences to Martha and family! I only had a chance to get to know Woody a little, from some of the Seattle Folklore Society and other jams at the house and in conversation at concerts, dances, and festivals over the years. His story shows a life very well lived, and he will be greatly missed.

Karen Shaw

August 28, 2018

I am so very sorry for your loss. How well I remember all the wonderful times at your home and the fabulous music you two played for us all.
I hope that all your delightful memories of a wonderful man will help you during this period of grief. We will miss Woody!

Camp Wood

Andres Kask

August 28, 2018

My sincere sympathies to Martha and the Wood family. I can't believe Woody has left us. I can hear his voice in my head right now...... telling us an interesting life story, teaching a phrase in French, quoting Shakespeare, or cracking a dumb joke.

You were truly an inspiration to many, many people. May your legacy of kindness, compassion, environmentalism, conservation, activism, and extreme selflessness carry on in everyone's collective memory.

I will strive to emulate your joie de vivre and teach my kids the many positive life lessons you have instilled in me.

With sadness and sorrow,

Connie O'Leary

August 27, 2018

Woody has been my north star for most of my life. He showed me the best way to live in the world- with kindness, generosity, joy, curiosity and a gentle spirit. Life is not about accumulating things, he would say, it's about cultivating rich relationships and connections. He had the uncanny ability to see the good in every situation, to see the best in everyone he knew. I picture him sitting outside his house where he would go each day, with his dog by his side, just to sit quietly and APPRECIATE. Here's a story that says a lot about Woody: I was fortunate enough to be a part of his last visit to Denali where he was celebrated for his role there. We were at the buffet table where we packed our lunches for the day and he pulled a waxed paper bag out of his pocket from the day before. There's no reason this bag can't last for the week that I'm here, he said. He showed respect for all of life, even waxed paper bags.

August 27, 2018

I will always think of Woody with love and gratitude that I got to know and admire him.
Deirdre

Terry Ney

August 27, 2018

I have so many fond memories of Woody....but the best are of his sense of humor, and his gently irreverent attitude! My thoughts are with the rest of his family as they grieve this loss. Terry Ney

Waly Faye

August 26, 2018

Woody, Toute une famille se réchauffe encore aux souvenirs de ton bref passage parmi elle dans son village natal. Tu respirais une compréhension et une ouverture d'esprit sans égale. Repose en paix, héros particulier

August 26, 2018

Our deepest condolences to Martha and all the Wood family - and to the many friends of Woody.

Woody welcomed us to the neighborhood 46 years ago and many our favorite memories involved him - hearing the folk music drifting across the stream in the summer; seeing the light of campfires through the trees.

Rest in peace Woody - you were well-loved.

Lyn and Paul Fenton

Dawn Smart

August 25, 2018

The passage of a wonderful, inspiring human being. My love to you, Martha.

Beth Bartholomew

August 25, 2018

Woody was an incredible musician, learning hammered dulcimer after he retired. I loved sharing Scandinavian folkdance music with him and Martha.

john price

August 25, 2018

Herr Wood was my German teacher for a couple years during Middle School. I think we tormented him more than he deserved. I am no linguist but I still know my German prepositions and visited Germany 30 years after his class and was able to find my way around a menu. I am not sure he would believe it but he remains one of my most memorable teachers. Aus, ausser, bei, mit, nach, von, zu. Thank you Herr Wood and my thoughts are with your family.