Patrick David Wood

Patrick Wood, also known as Woody, Paddy Boy, Gramps and Bubba peacefully left this world on April 3, 2025 after battling Parkinson's for 22 years. The world was blessed with his presence for 87 years, that is for sure.

Patrick was born on St.Patrick’s Day, March 17,1938 in Detroit, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hilda Wood, his wife Judith, three brothers (Glynn, William Jr., John) and one sister (Sr. Beth Wood, IHM) as well as his beloved twin granddaughter, Lindsey McGuirt. Pat was a lifelong member of St. Gerard Catholic Church in Lansing, totaling 48 years. One year as a Lenten sacrifice, he decided to go to morning mass before heading into work at GM, Monday through Friday. That simple act led to going to church 6 days a week for around 20 years. His faith was very important to him, as well as the lifelong friendships he made.

A loving husband to his wife, Judy, for 46 years and devoted father to his three children, David (Kim) Wood, Dawn (Ken) Potter and Denise (Bruce) Kehren. He attended every hockey, basketball, baseball and softball game that his kids participated in. He even helped in coaching some of them, the highlight being a trip to Quebec on a train with the hockey team. Pat’s legacy will also continue with his 9 grandchildren; Shaye (Riley), Jordan (Kelsey), Sommer (Nate), Rachel (Alex), Morgan, Taylor, Christy and Kelsey (also known as Kozy). He also had 6 great grandchildren and 1 on the way; Vincent, Natalie, Owen, Elijah, Hayden, Dawson and (Alden - due in Aug.) He was “Uncle Pat,” a favorite, to many nieces and nephews.

Pat lived in his home in Lansing from 1977 until 2017. He resided at Fairview Grand in Grand Ledge for the past 7 years. We’re very thankful for the nurturing staff who knew how to be patient, kind and understanding with our dad. Their reassuring words such as “You’ve got this, you can do it, you have to keep moving!” helped him conquer those doubts and fears that sometimes tried to take over.

Patrick worked in accounting at General Motors for 33.5 years, retiring in 1997. He also served time in the Army during his younger years. We can still rattle off some of the songs he used to sing. He met the love of his life in college on the campus of Michigan State University, his alma mater. His blood definitely ran green. He only rooted for two collegiate teams, his MSU Spartans and whoever was playing against Michigan. His sense of humor and quick wit was impeccable. He enjoyed playing sports and was on MSU’s baseball team for a season. He liked playing cards and all sorts of board games. Our mom used to get very angry when he refused to let us kids win. Spending weekends and summers at Canadian Lakes Campground was a highlight for the whole family. We enjoyed spending time on the beach, in the water and by the campfire.

To say our dad was an avid sports fan would be an understatement. He so enjoyed watching MSU basketball, Detroit Tigers baseball and the Detroit Red Wings in hockey. Dad loved to reminisce about the older eras of the Detroit Lions with his lifelong friend who visited dad almost every week, Mr. Jim Buysse. For that friendship, we are eternally grateful.

We will remember him for his words of wisdom like,“Every day is a gift. Don’t look at the speck in someone's eye when you may have a bolder in your own. As long as you wake up and your feet hit the floor, it’s a good day.”

Our dad’s faith in God and resilience to never give up, are traits we will remember forever. We will miss him dearly, but will hold Gramps in our hearts forever.

A visitation will be held to commemorate his life on Thursday, April 10 from 4-8pm at Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Chapel located at 3232 W. Saginaw Lansing MI 48917.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place to celebrate our dad on Friday, April 11 at 10:30am with visitation an hour earlier starting at 9:30am at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W Willow Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917. The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 2520 W Willow St., Lansing, MI 48917.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Gerard Church or the Parkinson's Foundation.

Thank you all in advance for all of your thoughts and prayers for our family at this difficult time.

Sincerely,

The Wood Family