Richard Arthur Wood left this world August 26, 2021 in Montesano to go to a better place, where he can run, ride his motorcycle, eat, drink and dance like no one was watching!
He was born July 27, 1950 in Aberdeen, Washington to live his childhood up the North River surrounded by loving parents, sister, grandparents, aunts uncles and cousins. He loved going out for adventures on the 60 acres he grew up on, swimming in the river, raising cows and the endless chores of always having a huge garden. He spent the first 12 years of school at North River, played basketball and his team went to State, the only year that happened for the school. He graduated in 1968 as valedictorian, Dad was on the school board and very proud! He went on to Grays Harbor College for two years and there learned to have a really good time, he was the life of the party. He finished his studies at the U of W, joined the Delta Chi Fraternity. He had many good times in the big city.
At the sorority next door there was a pretty blonde, Jane Perkins, who became his wife and the mother to their two children. He graduated from the U of W in the business field in 1972. He went to work for Weyerhaeuser as a logging supervisor and they sent him and Janie to Arkansas, it was a real adjustment to two Northwest kids. They took it in stride, had a great time making good friends, exploring the area and enjoying the Southern hospitality. From there they were sent to a small island in the Philippines. It was probably the best adventure of his life. Militants, earthquakes, tsunamis, always carrying a sidearm were just a few of the stories he came home with. His next assignment was Longview, Washington where he was one of the first people to the Mount St. Helens disaster, seeing the devastation from the company helicopter, checking for life of the poor people that didn’t make it out. Rich was always a cook and decided to make the move to Cosmopolis to buy a restaurant called the Timber Baron, it was a wonderful place of great food, drink and good times. During that time daughter Tasha was born and was the center of their world. It was time for a move and so they went to California and Rich stayed in the restaurant business managing various places, sweet son Spencer was born there. Rich moved on to the car business and was a financial manager until his retirement. Loving the California weather but wanting to be closer to family he moved home after mom died. He enjoyed his last days with his family, and especially his best friend Keith Lipford who he saw almost daily and loved like a brother.
He is survived by his daughter, Tasha Graeff (Amy), Ridgefield, Washington, son, Spencer Wood (Ryan), Austin, Texas, sister and brother Vonnie and Stan Dillingham, Elma, Washington. Many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins who will miss him very much.
People waiting with open arms for him are his parents, Harold and Alice Wood, who went far too soon. His grandparents, Frank and Etta Good, Art and Eula Johnson and just last month cousin Cathy Adams.
Richard loved life and adventure and right now, his is on the biggest one there is!
Love you honey.
A celebration of life is planned Sept. 4, 2021 at 6400 Manor Road, Aberdeen from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
