Robert "Bob" James Wood

Robert (Bob) James Wood, a.k.a. Woody, 71, passed away Saturday morning January 13, 2024. He was born August 17, 1952 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School in St. Lewis Park, Minnesota, and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City with a bachelor's degree in Communications. Bob was nearing eleven years as a proud kidney transplant recipient. Being immunosuppressed, he died after several complications, including Covid. Despite years of physical challenges, he always persevered and lived life to the fullest. He described himself as a “Husband, Father, Adventurist, Lover of the Land and its People”. No truer words could describe Bob, than his own.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Margaret Wood.

Surviving family members include Kellie Wood (wife of 33 years), Olivia Wood (daughter), Keely Kelleher (bonus daughter), Sisters; Carol Knight and Mary Beth Piedrahita (Sergio), Mother-in-law, Kay Schultz, Brother-in-law, Bill Schultz (Anna) and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bob’s genuine love of people was infamously expressed with his gift for gab. He cherished visiting and sharing stories with friends. He found success using his gift in his career as a professional salesman, developing beautiful friendships that lasted his lifetime. He was proud to be the Voice of the Cottonwood Club’s Swim Team and an Advocate for the Arts and Indigenous People of Utah.

Bob’s passion for the mountains of Utah was forever constant. He especially adopted Little Cottonwood Canyon and Moab, winter skiing, and summer hiking. True peace and joy were his with a day on the mountain with family and friends. His heart's delight was knowing that his daughter, Olivia, was an avid skier who could keep up with her Dad! He was so proud of all her accomplishments and interests, and enjoyed that he could live vicariously through her! In recent years he enjoyed being a Scout. He would drive around the West in his FJ looking for new places to share with everybody, especially Kellie. He was well known for returning with the fruits of nature: melons, peaches, beans, tequila, and other treasures to give to others.

We will miss hearing Bob’s booming laugh, beaming smile, and requests for a heart-to-heart hug before saying farewell. To all of us, he’d say, “Thanks for skiing”!

Memories and photos of Bob can be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/11625859.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Alta Community Enrichment (ACE) Alta, UT, https://altacommunity.org/ or Bears Ears Partnership, Bluff, UT, https://bearsearspartnership.org/.

He would also ask that people consider signing up as an organ donor.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, January 19, 2024, at St. Vincent’s de Paul Catholic Church at 1375 E. Spring Ln. Holladay, UT. A private celebration of Bob’s life with friends and family will follow.