Melvin H. Wood
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Melvin H. Wood on April 18, 2010. For several years, Mel has stubbornly and doggedly fought off the ravages of old age while always maintaining his zest for life, his gracious personality, and his smile! Mel was born in Castle Gate, Utah on January 7, 1921. He was the fourth of five children born to Ratie Balser and Adley Wood. When Mel was only three years old his father died in a mine explosion with 170 other men leaving his mom and aunts to fend for themselves during the rough years of the Great Depression. Mel proved to be resilient in hard times and always managed to earn extra money for his family by selling newspapers and gum on the streetcar to Saltaire, mushrooms to the chefs at the Hotel Utah, and by picking fruit and berries.
Mel was a star athlete at South High School where he graduated in 1939. He earned a scholarship to Utah State University where he excelled in football and diving. Dad won the AAU diving championship, and his Aggie team when made it o the Raisin Bowl in Fresno. At USU, Mel met, fell in love and married Verna Theurer in March of 1941. World War II interrupted Mel’s college, and he proudly served in the US Army in the Pacific. Mel was not released from the army until 8 months after the war had ended, and even though he was anxious to get home to his family he was able to play football for the army team in Tokyo stadium.
Upon graduation from USU, Mel began his long and successful career with Weber School District where he was a popular football, swimming, track, wrestling coach and athletic director for 18 years at Weber High School. He led his wrestling teams to 8 state championships and his football teams to numerous championships, as well.
After leaving coaching, Mel became the guidance counselor at Roy High School for several years and then attended the educational career in the district office, retiring in 1985. Mel’s zest for life continued into retirement. He and Verna completed scuba diving lessons and traveled to the Red Sea and The Great Coral Reef for deep sea adventures. Mel and Verna were always daring in their many travels abroad-their last trip began a 21 day cruise around South America that included stops in the South Pole.
One of Mel’s greatest joys was his big garden in North Ogden, and many people in Northern Utah have been lucky recipients of raspberries, peaches, cherries, and award winning roses. He enjoyed traveling, camping, hunting and fishing with his friends and family. Mel was a member and officer of the Utah Old Timers Athletic Association, the Ogden Golf and Country Club, and the North Ogden Kiwanis. He served as General Manager of the Ogden Dodger Baseball Team in the 1970’s and was a baseball scout for the Pittsburg Pirates and the San Diego Padres.
Mel’s greatest pride was in his family. He cherished this children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is survived by his wife and their children, Rebecca Wood, Kent (Kimberly) Wood, and Connie (Walt) Amos, 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son Dennis (Carla) Wood in 2003 and most of his siblings. We are extremely grateful to Atria Assisted Living, Dr. Clark Newhall, and Julie, Shirlene, Teresa, and Marcia of Hospice for their devotion and care.
Friends and family will meet to celebrate his legacy on Friday, April 23, 2010 from 6-8 p.m. at Leavitt’s Mortuary, 836 36th St. in Ogden. A memorial service will be held in Saturday, April 24 at 1:30 p.m. also at Leavitt’s Mortuary. Dad has chosen to be cremated and his ashes scattered in the mountains of northern Utah along with those of his son, Dennis.
Mel had a natural talent for cultivating friendship and the ability to strike up conversations with almost anyone. He possessed a natural talent to guide, encourage and motivate. Countless people have been touched by his kind heart. Mel will be dearly missed by many, but by his family the most as he provided a daily inspiration and example on how to live life the right way. We love and miss you Mel.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Weber School Foundation; 5320 S. Adams Pkwy, Ogden, Utah 84405 in the name of Mel Wood.
Rebecca, Connie, Kent and Verna,
So sorry to see the notice of Mel's passing. Fred and I always considered him one of the Good Guys. We'll always remember him flipping pancakes at North Ogden Cherry Days breakfasts.
Shanna and Fred Masters
shanna masters (, NY)
I attended Roy High many years ago and remember Mel very well. He was always smiling and an excellent person. My sympathies for your loss.
Alan Waldron (Rio Rancho , NM)
Dear Verna & Family:We Send our Love & Sympathy at Mel's Passing. You and Mel Were Dear Friends of Mom & Dad(Wes & Jennie) and great examples to my brothers and Me. May our Father in Heaven Bless and Comfort You and Help You Keep His Memory Close to Your Hearts. Love from The Gephart's Harry & Rhonda Bob & Norma Clyde & Chris
Harry Gephart (Tremonton, UT)
TO MR. WOODS FAMILY
SENDING A PRAYER THAT GOD WILL GIVE YOU COMFORT NOW AND PEACE IN THE DAYS TO COME. WITH SYMPATHY
AN OLD NEIGHBOR
JIM AND CHRIS STEGEN
JIM AND CHRIS STEGEN (OGDEN, )
Kent, Connie, It is so difficult in time such as these when we loose those that have had such a major impact on so many people lives let alone his own family. Your father was one super guy. I have had the pleasure after highschool in golfing with him and watching he and your mom enjoy working in their garden while I lived in North Ogden. Your Dad was one of those few beautiful people. I was honored in knowing him. A friend
Brent J Greenwell (Victor, Montana)
Mel was my teacher, my coach,my boss,my mentor, and a very special friend and influence in my life. I share your sorrow for the lossof this great man. I also share the honor of being with Mel and his wounderful family.
cy freston (honyville, utah)
My brother Max Cologna and I Rudy have fond memories of Mel. We played football and wrestled and track for Weber High. My brother Max was one of Mels star football players and wrestlers, being all state and all conference respectively. Whenever Max would come to Ogden he would have lunch or dinner with Mel, Dutch Belnap and Lowell Thorsenson, occationly Verna would join us. I would also join them when I was in town. One thing that impressed Mel and he mentioned when we got together was the chores we had to do after football like milking cows etc. He said he still remembered after a big football game we had to go home and haul hay by moon light. We wish the best for all of you. We will miss Mel. He is in our prayers.
Rudy and Max Cologna
Rudy Cologna (Bellevue, Washington)
I met Mel in the 60's. I was playing baseball for Tooele High School. He invited me to a Pittsburg Camp that was being held at John Affleck Park. It was the thrill of my life to attend. He made me feel important. I went on to play for Weber State and Coach Dick Williams. I ran into Mel often and we had some great conversations. He was truly a wonderful man as well as a coach, father and husband. He touched the lives of many people not only locally but nationally as well. His smile and demeaner will be missed. He touched my life!
Coach Phil Russell (Ogden, Utah)
I was very fortunate to work with Mel at Weber School District. He was a kind, thoughtful man who whistled every day and always had a big smile!! He brightened my days. I am sorry for your loss
Bonnie Boren (West Haven Ut. 84401, )
I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of Mel Wood for the loss of a great guy. Prior commitments will keep me from the funeral and viewing, so I am using this avenue of communication to share my feelings with you.
Mel was my high school baseball coach in 1953 at Weber High. He was the best coach I ever had, and his ex-pert guidance and instruction helped me to go on to play college baseball. He was firm but fair...no yelling or even a raised voice...but when he talked we listened...and learned. I remember well the dayI I made a mistake during a pre-season game and he took me out behind the backstop and we had a good coach-to-rookie conversation...mostly one-sided. I can't tell you how much that helped me during the remainder of that season. I'll never forget that gentle dressing-down, nor the boost it gave me to becoming a better player.
Coach was a real role model for me, and I am very much saddened by his passing. We need more mentors like him.
Ron Rich 1481 Melanie Lane Syracuse, Ut 84075 (801) 825-5560
Mel Wood (Syracuse, Ut, 84075)
Connie...so very, very sorry for the loss of your Dad. He had quite a exciting and memorable life and you have quite an exceptional Dad. Please know that I am feeling your pain and thinking of you at this time.
Renee (Shupe) Holley (West Point, Ut)
Verna, Your dear husband and Becky, Kent and Connie, your dad holds a special place in our lives. His kind, loving personality always put everyone at ease no matter the situation. Whether we were camping, hiking or playing golf Mel made the outing something to remember and remember we do. We send our heart-felt love and condolences for your loss. Mel touched so many lives and we feel fortunate to be included on that list. Doug & LaRee Ward (Glendale, AZ)
Doug & LaRee Ward (Glendale, AZ)
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mel Wood. From 1957 until 1959 he was my PE Coach and the Football Coach at the old Weber HS on 12th and Washington Blvd in Ogden. Mel also lived in North Ogden where I grew up. He was a great coach and a great man and will be sincerely missed. I send my deepest sympathies and condolences to the Wood Family. Sincerely Dennis Chamberlain.
Dennis Chamberlain (Roy, Utah)
I was so sorry to hear of Mel's passing. He has been a good friend for many years. I'm sorry I couldn't attend the services in his honor. Mel, Verna, Marge and I spent many hours playing bridge together. He will be missed. Sincerely, Monte
Monte Bailey (SLC, UT)
Our hart is with you in this days.
Paul Oostveen (Netherlands, )
Verna, Please know we are thinking of you at this time. Mel was a special person and we were so lucky to have had the opportunity to know him. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. With kindness, Reese and Judy Nielsen
Reese and Judy Nielsen (Perry, Ut)
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- Home: Ogden, UT
- Death Date: April 18, 2010
- Birthdate: January 7, 1921
- Place Of Birth: Castle Gate, UT
- Service: Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 1:30pm
- Location: Leavitt's Mortuary - 836 36th St. Ogden
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