Gene Wood

Milton - Gene Ornald Wood, 80, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Milton Vt on Monday, July 15, 2019. He was born in Fletcher Vt on May 3, 1939 son of the late Zenus and Blanche (Chase) Wood. He was proud to have served in the U.S. Army. He served 7 years. He served 4 years in the Medics and 3 years in Engineers. Gene had many farm jobs over the years and his last job before retiring, he had been employed for over 25 years with Manchester Lumber Company in Johnson Vt. Gene loved many things like fishing on the Lamoille River, playing horseshoes- he had played in many horseshoe tournaments and had won many trophys over the years, bowling- he had been on numerous bowling leagues over the years, and had also won many bowling trophys, loved Bingo and card games. Especially rummy and poker he was always the one to keep score. He also loved garage sales whether he was going to them or having them himself. Every year he enjoyed going to the Tunbridge Fair. He also enjoyed watching old movies and TV Shows with his favorites being Westerns with John Wayne. Gene loved Country music and Johnny Cash was his favorite singer. He was also proud that he was named after Gene Autry. He looked forward to his daughter, Becky's homemade Rice Pudding, and his niece, Rose's homemade Raison Pie- those were his 2 favorite desserts, and these girls made them for him often. His dog Scooter could always be found by his side, if Scooter couldn't go then Gene didn't go. Gene was a friend to all and would give you the shirt off his back. He will truly be missed by all those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his daughters, Becky Wallace and her husband Dennis of Johnson, Kelly Kniker of Odin Illinois, his sons, Eugene Wood and his wife Karen of Johnson, Robert Wood and his wife Kim of Johnson, and Richard Wood and his wife Tina of South Royalton. He is also survived by his grandchildren- Carl Hubbell, Travis Hubbell, Brandon Hubbell, Jesse Wallace, Emily Wallace, Raymond Parker the 2nd, Anastasia Parker, Jamie Spear, Cathy Manchester, Sonya Wood, Ian Wood, Liza Rathburn, Oscar Delgado Jr, Joshua Wood and Jeremiah Wood. His great grandchildren- Rylin Hubbell, T.J. Hubbell, Gabriel Hubbell, Braelyn Hubbell, Adrianne Parker, Ivy Parker, Emily Addoboadu, William Addoboadu, Javeena Parker, Damon Noyes, Lincoln Noyes, Carter Manchester, Nakiya Laflin, Mackenzie Laflin, Hunter Wood, Remington Wood, Anna Rathburn, Julianna Rathburn, Savannah Rathburn, Addison Wood, Miah Wood, Payton Wood, Owen Wood. He is also survived by many many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a grandson, Lawrence Parker and predeceased by a great grandson Raymond Parker the 3rd. He is also predeceased by all of his brothers and sisters- Floyd Wood, Rudolph Wood, Earl Wood, Theodore Wood, Wanita Gingras, Sylvia Dow, Dorothy Hayes, Tina Harshberger, Bertha Musick, Edith Lanphere, and Patricia Bigue. and he is also predeceased by his faithful dog companions Joy, Scooter and Benji. I've finished life's chores assigned to me, so put me on a boat headed out to sea, Please send along my fishing pole, For I've been invited to the fishing hole. Where everyday is a day to fish, To fill your heart with every wish, Don't worry or feel sad for me, I'm fishing with the Master of the Sea. We will miss each other for awhile, But you will come and bring your smile, That won't be long you will see, Till we are together you and me. To all of those that think of me, Be happy as I go out to sea, If others wonder why I'm missing, Just tell them I've gone fishing. Poem written by Dalmar Pepper Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home - Fairfax Chapel on Main Street in Fairfax Vt. Inurnment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Gene's memory may be made to All Breed Rescue at 491 Industrial Ave, Williston Vt 05495 where they save dogs from high kill shelters. The family invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awfh.com.