Paul Lavon Wood

Paul Lavon Wood, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016 in Salt Lake City UT.  He was born in Baker City, OR to Percy and Zella (Hemmert) Wood.  He was a longtime resident of Salt Lake City and a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Preceded in death by his parents, wife of 57 years, Cheren (Freestone), wife Florence (Streeper), and son Paul Leslie.  He is survived by his wife, Marilyn (McBride), daughters Cheri (Randy) Williams, and Jan (Kent) Williams, two sisters, Helen Berg and Ruth Boyd, 10 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. 

Paul was the fifth of seven children.  He graduated from high school during the Korean War, joined the naval Reserve, and spent several summers on training cruises serving as an electronic communications specialist.  The war limited missionary calls, and Paul was not selected, so he attended and graduated from BYU.  There he met Cheren Freestone.  They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple.  They had three children, Cheri, Les, and Jan.

Most of Paul's occupational career was spent with Del Monte Foods which took them to many locations in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, California, and Mexico City.  While in Mexico, he was able to travel extensively through Latin America and developed many lasting relationships with people in that area.

Paul enjoyed life to the fullest with family members by his side.  He had a strong work ethic, but played just as hard.  The family skiied both winter and summer, camped, and travelled to many locations around the world.  He had a love for motorcycles and being ‘on the road’.  He was always planning the next trip.

Never afraid of hard work, they settled into Salt Lake City as their primary residence while he began a new career in property development and management. He was a kindly man who often gave money to strangers in need of help.  Many a fatherless boy knew his influence.  He was present and actively concerned about all of his children and grandchildren.

He is loved by his family and he was never happier than when he was surrounded by them.  His legacy of hard work and love of the gospel of Jesus Christ will never be forgotten.

His family is appreciative of his friends and neighbors offering support, and especially his wife Marilyn for her care and loving help in the trials of the last few months.  Paul expressed his gratitude for that service to him and the family many times.

Burial in the Salt Lake City Cemetery after a private family graveside service.