Don Porter Wood

"Together Again"

Our beloved dad Don Porter Wood age 89, passed away February 7, 2015 after suffering a massive stroke the previous Monday.  Dad was born August 6, 1925 to Zina Elizabeth Porter and Oscar Howard Wood.  Dad was proceeded in death by his eternal sweetheart and wife Flora Burton Wood; Sisters Carol, Ella, and Betsy, and Grandson Jared Wood Bangerter.  He is survived by his sister Florine, brothers Carlos and Ralph, and children Laurel (Roger) Barrus, Don (LuAnn) Wood, Dennis (Barbara) Wood, Connie (Jeff) Cook, Sheryl (Rick) Bangerter, Robert (Judy) Wood, 23 grandchildren and 74 great grandchildren, and Esther Salt Claw, our Indian Placement sister.  Dad loved to quote Psalms 127:4-5, and you can see that he is happy because “his quiver” is full! 

Dad grew up in Bountiful, Utah on the family farm where he learned that he’d much rather use his brain than his brawn.  Dad was interested in aviation and became a pilot at a very young age.  He loved teaching his sons and later his sons-in-law the ins and outs of flying.  He even made the news when his landing gear failed to lock in, but eventually safely landed.  Dad loved flying tail draggers the best.  Dad was also an avid ham radio operator (W7YSO) building much of his own equipment. 

He was drafted into the Army during WWII and was in the Signal Corp even though he was born deaf in his left ear and had not yet graduated from High School.  He served in the Phillippines, New Guinea, and Japan.  Dad loved to tell everyone that he won the war!

Dad was set up on a blind date by his sister Florine with Flora Burton and they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on March 17, 1948.  Shortly after their sealing, they moved to Oregon where 5 of their 6 children were born.  Dad worked at G and B Electric where he installed everything that was sold that needed installing like washers, stoves, and even linoleum.  When TV's came on the market, he started fixing them along with radios, small appliances and pretty much anything that ran on electricity. 

After moving back to Bountiful where their 6th child was born, Dad worked for Deseret Book fixing their audio visual equipment. After five years, he was hired by Westinghouse Electric which was later acquired by CGR Medical. He became the regional manager over sales, installation, maintenance and repair of  X-ray and imaging equipment.  After Mom passed away, Dad helped Laurel as she founded her business, the Handi Quilter Company where he was an integral part of the product development. He had a brilliant mind and became technically adept at anything he tackled.

Because Dad was drafted into WW II while a junior in high school, Dad earned his High School Diploma in 1964 making sure he got his before his oldest child Laurel.  Mom and Dad served two full time missions, one to the Sydney Australia Temple and the other to the Micronesian Islands where he helped the Mission President’s ability to communicate with the missionaries by installing radios and antennas on the isolated islands. Dad loved making people happy and is remembered by everyone for his puns and jokes.  He played the guitar, bass fiddle, and harmonica.  He used to sing with the Harmonicats. Dad had us kids perform anywhere and everywhere, ward parties, company parties, civic events etc.  We performed as an entire family for the Church production “House Talk” at the Valley Music Hall.    

Dad has always had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and loved to share it wherever he was.  He served faithfully in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and many lives have been touched by his happiness and his willingness to serve.  He loved mom with all his heart and we are so glad they are reunited once again.  Thanks to all those over the years who have cared for dad. We are so grateful for the loving care you have given him.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Feb 11, 2015 at 11am in the Orchard 6th Ward, 3599 South Orchard Dr, Bountiful, Utah.  Friends may call at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main, Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday at the church from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services.  Interment, Bountiful City Cemetery.