Colin Trevor Wood

Colin Trevor Wood was born on December 7, 1937 in Bristol, England. He was the youngest of seven children born to Percival and Dorothy Wood. His siblings included brothers’ David (killed in World War II), Brian (Mary), Neville, Bill (Opal), Paul (Chris) and his sister June (Ray).

Following his early education and entrance exams, Colin attended the very prestigious Bristol Grammar School on a scholarship (entering at the age of 10½). At the age of 17, Colin left Bristol Grammar School and spent two years of “National Service” in the Royal Air Force (RAF) beginning in November 1955. Following his military service in 1957 and after some student apprentice training at Bristol Aero Engines Co., he received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1963 from Bath University. His first job following his apprenticeship was with Rolls Royce as an aeronautical engineer designing jet engines (including the engine of the now retired Concorde airplane). Colin remained busy in grammar school, the RAF, and during university running track and playing rugby. Colin was a distance runner, with his best races being the mile (his time was two seconds off the school record) and half mile. However, Colin’s true love was for rugby. He was a proud member of the Old Bristolian Rugby Club, where he served as captain for many years. It was through friendships there that he met the love of his life, Sally Wood. He and Sally were married on February 2, 1967 – nearly 50 years of wedded bliss!

They were blessed with two sons, Richard David and Christopher James. In 1972, Colin's career brought his family to the United States for what they thought would be a short stay. They moved to Chicago knowing only his employer Beasley French, but quickly made friends and adapted to life in the U.S. Colin's profession afforded he and Sally many opportunities to travel around the world, all the while continuing to create friendships to last a lifetime. Colin enjoyed their life in Chicago, coaching his sons’ soccer teams and spending time with friends that felt like family. In 1986, he accepted a new professional opportunity in Overland Park, Kansas. Colin retired in 2005 after a very successful career with W+D Machinery.

Never one to stay idle, Colin kept busy with several hobbies and projects, including many nights with friends at the pub. Most importantly, he cherished spending time with his family, especially his five grandchildren Rachel, Michael, Colin, Mia, and Cameron. They brought much joy to his life, and he was so proud of each one of them. In his own words... “all the wealth and fame in the world stands for naught when compared with what family means to the individual.” His legacy was quite simple – family!

Services will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131. Visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, November 25. Memorial service at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 26. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Children’s Mercy or KU Cancer Center.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.