Michael Carleton Wood

1952 - 2025

Michael Carleton Wood
09/01/1952 - 04/10/2025
Mike was born in Willits, California on the drive home from the summer at his family's summer home in Humboldt County. Mike and his brothers, Denis and Tim were raised in Orinda, California by their mother, Anne Mathewson Wood and father, Michael Webster Wood. Mike attended Miramonte high school, and graduated in 1970 as Student Body President.
Mike was voted "Most Likely to Succeed", by his High School Peers. Mike was Miramonte's first four-year varsity wrestler where he finished his senior season placing third in the State Tournament. Mike attended Stanford University where he found his love for the game of rugby as a number 9 and Team Captain. Mike then attended Hastings Law School and California,
Berkeley Haas Business School where he received his law degree and MBA. After graduate school at UC Berkeley, Mike became a partner at Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May, now Reed Smith LLP. Mike then became a partner at Cooley Godward, now Cooley LLP.
When Mike's son, Mat was three years old, he researched how to best teach a child how to read. It was during this time while teaching his young son how to read that Mike realized the importance of phonics in early childhood reading comprehension. Leaving his legal career behind Mike departed on his mission to make reading fun.
The Leapfrog Educational. Toy Company was born and went on to impact a generation of young readers around the globe and was ultimately taken public in 2002. Years later, Mike developed the educational software company, Smarty Ants and dedicated his later years volunteering in Marin City, bringing joy and confidence to many young great readers. A dedicated father and truly generous soul, Mike was happy when others felt good. He inspired, motivated and brought the best out of people. However, if Mike could be remembered by a word – Kindness would be the one that would make him most proud.
In honor of Mike's lifelong passion for education and innovation, his family invites those wishing to celebrate his memory to consider a donation to the causes closest to his heart: 10,000 Degrees or Bridge the Gap. These organizations reflect Mike's enduring commitment to creating opportunities and opening doors for the next generation.