Vance C. Wood, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on March 11, 2024, at the age of 78. Vance met the love of his life, Leota "Lee", at The Professional Music Center in Des Moines, Iowa where they both taught music. They were married for 55 beautiful years. In 1970, Vance and Leota moved to Michigan where they started their family. Vance had a deep love for music, which led him to attend Oakland University to study Renaissance music and play the lute. Over the years, Vance's passion for music expanded to making lutes, handcrafting roses for harpsichords, and continuing to teach music.
Vance served in the United States Army 11th Cavalry, K TRP 3d SQD in the Vietnam War where he received a National Defense Service Medal, Marksmanship Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Purple Heart. He was also a skilled bonsai tree master, a passion he developed at the age of 13. Vance's bonsai collection numbered over 100 trees of various ages and varieties, earning him numerous awards and recognition, and several best in show awards. He loved to share his knowledge with fellow bonsai enthusiast by creating instructional videos and writing a book. Vance was deeply involved in his children's and grandchildren's lives, capturing countless memories through his love for photography and videography. He cherished his grandchildren and was their biggest supporter.
Vance was the loving husband of Leota. The beloved father of the late Matthew and Michelle (Richard) Kurtz. The cherished grandfather of Brendan Wood, Aubrey Wood, Ashlee (Adam) Gillman, Derrick Kurtz, Jensen Kurtz, Brady Kurtz, Presley Kurtz, Landon Kurtz, Easton Kurtz, Chase Kurtz, Dempsey Kurtz, and Delaney Kurtz. He was the caring great grandfather of Liam, Milo, and Isabella. He was the dear brother of Byron Kent Wood and the late Francesca Beam. Vance will be remembered for his sense of humor, his love for his family, and his dedication to his passions. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Visitation for Vance will take place on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 3pm until 8pm at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road in Clinton Township. Please join the family at 7pm on Friday for a Sharing of Memories.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to The Salvation Army, 55 Church St., Mount Clemens, MI 48043.
