Monday, June 22, 2009

Our gratitude

We have been so incredibly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, help, and condolences. We can't possibly begin to give thanks on an individual basis. Please know that all the food, flowers, service, and words of comfort have not only helped us in this difficult time, but also given us a certain kind of joy that those who love Mom have been able to mourn her passing in their own way. We know that many are hoping and praying for the continued recuperation of our father. We love you for it.

39 comments:

  1. My prayers are with you and your family!

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  2. Thank you so much for maintaining this blog Daniel. There are so many of us that loved your parents as if they were one of our own family members and it really helps to have the 'official' version of the facts posted rather than relying on the small tidbits of information that we are able to glean from limited sources. Please continue posting here as much as possible to let those of us that love your parents as our own extended family members how your Dad is doing as well as any memorial arrangements for your Mom. And as you already know, if there is anything that is needed, all you need to do is ask. Sometimes it is only the service that can provide the healing balm we all need.

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  3. Dan and Kristen: WE ARE SO SORRY!!! Whatever you need us to do we're here for you. Do you need help with your dog? Water your lawn? Take care of your house??? Let us know. I can't imagine and we're praying for you. Mar and Zach

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  4. All of my families prayers are with your family. Your parents are amazing people, and Kathy will be terribly missed.
    ~The Clyde's

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  5. To the Wood Family...Colleen and I express our sincere condolences to all of you. We received the news last night. Even as our miles and time have separated us over the years we have never forgotten your parents...their smiles, their service to the members...their voices...and their kindness. May you find peace through faith in Christ and his marvelous plan. Our love to you all... Tom and Colleen Cavanaugh, from Bogota, Colombia.

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  6. We are so sorry about the loss of your Mother- who was such an amazing selfless person. She did so much good for so many and her influence has been felt all over the Sacramento valley. She had the courage to start up groups like WAIT when no one wanted to talk about Abstinence. She is truly a light among her people and we will forever miss her.

    We continue to pray for your Dad and for your family. May you all have the blessings of peace and the Lord's love and comfort at this time.

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  7. The Maher family sends our love and prayers. Thank you so much for posting this information. We feel close in spirit but so far away at this time. Know how much your mother and dad have touched our lives. We are all so grateful for our testimonies of Christ.
    Love, Tim and Joyce (Woods Cross, Utah)

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  8. York & Laurie Fitzgerald,

    Our prayers are with you and your entire family. We are so sorry for this temporary loss of Kathy. We love all of you so much. Even though years and miles have separated our families we will never forget the wonderful years in the YV Ward in Walnut Creek - the outstanding example of a celestial family on earth. We pray for a full recovery for Kent and comfort and peace to Kent and all of the children knowing that they will see their beautiful and wonderful mother again.

    All our love,
    York and Laurie Fitzgerald
    Midway, Utah

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  9. Our thoughts and prayers have been with your family. We are so sorry to hear about your mom, she has impacted so many lives through her selfless service. She was the reason I read the Book of Mormon for the 1st time... I will forever be grateful for her impact in my life.

    We will continue to pray on behalf of President Wood, and for each of the kids.

    Love, Stacy Porter Robbins (Orem, Utah)

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  10. It broke my heart to hear this news on Sunday. I loved getting to know Sister Wood at girls camp and she was always so incredibly welcoming and thoughtful of everyone. Your family, and especially President Wood is in our prayers.

    Lisa (Telford) & Dave Grow

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  11. There aren't words to truly express my love for all of you. There aren't words to describe how I imagine you must feel. I know that nothing I can say can bring you the comfort or the peace I so desperately seek and pray that you will have.. I just hope that you all are aware of how much you are loved and held in my heart and prayers. You are all strong.. beautiful.. vibrant spirits.. I see so much light in the darkness when I think of each of you.. and in the face of this tragedy you are truly the strength and inspiration we all need as we also mourn your loss. Thankyou for all that you are.
    love and light.
    angel

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  12. Dear Wood Family,

    I know your dad through his teaching position at Folsom Lake College. I met your mom only once at a wonderful picnic at the observatory, where your parents hosted some colleagues for an evening of food, fun and stargazing! In that short time I sensed Kathy's giving spirit and focus on others. We will uphold your family in prayer during this difficult time.

    Linda Santoro

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  13. Having lost two siblings and a parent I know the pain you are experiencing. Sorry doesn't say enough. Our hearts and prayers will be sent out in your behalf often. We will miss your mother on this earth, but believe she will be a force of great good where she now resides. Your father has many who love him, and though I don't reside in his stake anymore, I am touched at how many have been touched by them who were never part of their stake. He was my favorite stake president before I left and still holds that place in my heart. The DeTinne-Cassel wish you well.

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  14. We are fasting for your father and your family to-day. Malcolm and Helen

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  15. Thank You for posting this blog. It is so helpful for all of us who are mourning. Our family sends are prayers and sympathy's to your family. My husbabnd and i were blessed to serve in the gospel with Pres. Wood and Kathy. As a young couple we were blessed to have them as an example of what a celestrial marriage is. Your dad always held your Mother in the highest esteem. And you could tell they truly Loved eachother. Kathy was a light to all those around her. And touched everyone she came in contact with. My father just recently passed away and i bet he has already heard the news that an amazing woman has entered their presence. Find comfort in knowing that she will be a guardian angel to her family and you will continue to feel her love in your life.
    Pres. Wood has been such an example to so many. he is a good man. You can feel gods presence when you are around him. We pray for his continued healing and comfort durning this tome of mourning.
    Thank you for sharing your Parents with so many. We have been blessed for it. Sincerely Annie and Monty Skinner

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  16. Dearest Wood family, we are so broken-hearted and are grieving with you. There are no words to express the deep love and gratitude we have for your parents, and we are praying that each of you will be blessed with the heavenly help that your family so deserves. I want to tell you that your mother is, without a doubt, one of the loveliest, strongest, most outstanding, talented, brilliant and celestial people we know. Your father has taught us more about hope and faith and perspective than anyone and we are fervently praying that these same blessings will be returned to him now. We know the Lord loves him so much. Thank you, Daniel, for allowing us to walk beside you through this blog which we will be checking continually... Sending you all our love---KRISTEN KING

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  17. For every person that has sent food, flowers, or condolences, there are probably at least 10 more that are thinking of and praying for your family. Your parents are such amazing people. Praying for peace that surpasses all understanding for all of your family. Kristine & Tom Palmer and family

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  18. Thank you so much for creating this blog. It shows tremendous strength at a time of tragedy. I can't express what a wonderful and memorable impact your parents have had on me. Your sweet mother fostered a love of music in me and in so many others through her service in the old Fair Oaks Stake. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to know her and your dad. They have been and are such beautiful examples to us all. Thank you for sharing them with us for so many years.
    My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. I pray that your dad will continue to heal and to recover, and I pray that you all will be blessed with a sense of peace and comfort that only the gospel can bring.
    Your family has brought light and love to so many, and I pray that our Heavenly Father can return that love to you at this difficult time.
    Sending you my love and condolences,
    Melissa (Maher) Jones
    Provo, UT

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  19. There are not words that can even come close for the sadness and heartache we feel for your family. We are so grateful to know you all, to be a part of this family, and to forever impacted by the light that Kent and Kathy have always shown. We send out continued thought and prayers out for all of you. We pray for your peace and comfort, and for the tangible feelings of love from our Savior and Father in Heaven. We love you all.

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  20. We were only in his stake for 2 1/2 years but he is one of the best stake presidents I've ever had. I felt the spirit SOOO strong when he spoke. We will be praying for the family.

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  21. Daniel,

    My sister, Joanna, called and told me the news and it breaks my heart. She was an amazing woman and will be greatly missed. I will always remember those years I sang in her Children's Chorus and Girl's Ensemble when I was a little girl. I will always remember your Mom and Dad singing in "The Music Man" and I wanted to be just like her when I grew up! I also will never forget your Dad singing "Bring Him Home" from Les Miserable......so beautiful....it brings tears to my eyes. Those experiences instilled a love for music that I will never lose. I loved her and your whole family. Please know that we are praying for your Dad's full recovery and that you will receive the comfort from the Lord that you need at this time.

    Love,
    Lindsay (Husted) Burnett

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  22. A quote from Brigham Young about Joseph Smith comes to mind, "I feel like shouting Hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew (Kathy Wood)." It has been one of my greatest priviledges to have associated with her. I love her strong, celetial, spunky fun personality. I am in awe of all her talents and abilities. But mostly, I appreciate the love and kindness I always felt from her. My life has much more joy because Kent and Kathy have been in it.
    Daniel, thanks for managing this blogg. Our thoughts and prayers are with your amazing dad and all your family.
    With love,
    Jayme Bahouth and family

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  23. Dearest Family,
    We had the wonderful opportunity of going to Jerusalem with your folks. Your mom added to the Spirit with her beautiful musical abilities. Our memories will always be with us. One of the best, which I bet you can relate to, was her singing "Im so Ugly" after getting out from swimming in the Dead Sea" We laughed until we cried, she is so funny! We love your dad also and he is always up for a Brazo from a fellow Argentine.(Missionary Hug) Your mom was a great asset to our Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She stood up for everything we hold dear. May each of you be able to endure this trial in your lives. It will make you stronger Mature Adults than you already are! Lots of Love,
    Guy and Terri Wentzel and Family

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  24. I feel like I've lost one of my sisters. Even though we haven't seen each other for a few years, the bond we shared all those years we were neighbors in Antioch and raised our families together will be with me forever. Your mom was always the spiritual giant in our circle of girlfriends and taught us something important every time we were together. My kids are mourning for you kids and you are in our every thought and prayer. Hug your dad for me and let him know how much we love him.

    Michele (Freeman) Frost

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  25. I am so sorry to have heard this news. I want to hug you and tell you everything will be alright. You and your family have been in our prayers. Betsy, Russ and I are heartbroken over this all and can't imagine what you are feeling. We love you!
    -Lisa

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  26. Thank you for creating this blog so we all might be able to check in and see how your family is doing. I admire your mom so much, she is the kind of woman I hope to become. My thoughts and prayers are with you kids and your dad at this time.
    Cassie (Stagg) Ames

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  27. I am soo sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I know it's been a long time since I have seen her and your family but I will never forget her influence on me and even my sisters when she taught us to sing in Girls Ensemble in Antioch. Your father has been a great friend to my dad over the years and he and my whole family send our love to you all.
    Love,
    Joanna (Husted) McIntire

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  28. Your mom was one of the most influential people in my life and her memory will continue to inspire and encourage me as well as many, many others whose lives she has touched. I love her and your family very much! Your mom and dad are the perfect couple. We are praying for Kent's recovery and for his physical and spiritual comfort, and that he will find solace in his eternal union with Kathy, as well as for all of your family. My life has been blessed by knowing all of you.
    Love, Kim Parscal

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  29. Dear Ones, I am known to you as Aunt Marje, and I now have a companion--Uncle Paul. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to know you, and loved the many times I accompanied Kathy and Kent as they sang and when Kathy sang with her beautiful mom, Pat Stone. The tears continue to flow as I listen to tapes we made years ago (e.g., the Legacy Concert in 1982.)
    Unforgettable was their driving to Oakland to be in the temple with my daughter Janine to be sealed to her dear husband Michael Ortega,'05.
    Untold numbers have been affected positively by their lives. What a heritage you all have!!
    Our hearts reach out in love, Marjorie & Paul

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  30. Kathy is a model for being strong and gentle at the same time. We'll miss her greatly. Our prayers and love are with Kent and your family.

    Steve & Jean Shaltes

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  31. Dear Stone and Wood family,
    I too am thankful for this blog. I knew Kathy growing up in Modesto. She always had a smile on her face and involved and doing great things.
    I was part of "Mormonaires" a singing group Pat directed. Kathy, Ron, Suzy and 6 others of us were all part of the group. We had such great fun practicing and performing together.
    We used to see Kent and Kathy pretty regular in the Oakland temple before the Sacramento temple was built. Kathy would always give us a hug and ask about our family. She always treated us like it was great to see us and made us feel so special. I know she treated everyone this way, but it always meant a great deal to me.
    Kathy's musical talents were very impressive and moving.
    It was always a great treat when she would come to Turlock to sing in "Messiah". We'd get to see all the Stones and reminisce about old times.
    Thank you for all the service, love, and kindness you have shown us through the years.
    Kathy truely showed you can live a celestial life in a telestial world.
    Jared Bjarnason and family.

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  32. Wood Family:

    I was so saddened to hear of Kathy's passing and of Kent's injuries. It's been fifteen years since I've seen your family, but the memories are fresh. To know Kathy was to admire her, and I have profound love and respect for Kent who served as my Bishop. Please know that there are more people praying for your family than you will likely ever know. Thank heaven for the Plan of Salvation. All our love and prayers...
    Steve Williams and family

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  33. Wood Family,
    I am saddened by the news of your mother's passing. We knew each other in San Francisco when your Dad and my husband were in Dental school. My husband attended University of the Pacific though. Mid our schooling experiences our two stakes were combined and your mother was called to serve with me in the Stake Young Womens Presidency. It was a fun year when we served together. We even brought the youth of our stake to the Mormon Center from San Francisco for a youth conference.
    I happened to be at a family gathering in Saint George when my cousin, Mike Thompson and his wife LuAnn from your stake, received word about the accident.
    Your mother is an incredibly talented woman. She was always willing to share her gift for singing when called upon. I can only imagine the good that she has performed through service since our parting from San Francisco 26 years ago. My thoughts and prayers will be
    with your family and we will pray for a quick recovery for your father. Sydne Stott Davies

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  34. Dan: When you have time, may I suggest that you add a section telling your parents love story. I have heard parts of it, and I think it would be inspiring here. Your mom reassured me with her story when my daughter was planning to marry young.

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  35. We are so grateful to have known your mother. We have known your parents for at least 15 years and we have seen our children grow up together. We are at a great loss with her passing and pray everyday for you father to recover. As we think about Kathy, we can't help but think how much she was a part of all of our lives. Especially our son, Trenton, graduating from Seminary. She pushed him and pulled him just enough for him to complete the necessary requirements to pass. But, I truly believe that she helped him learn about the Savior and he did way more than just Pass. When I told Trent the news about Kathy we both cried to eachother and I then knew what an awesome impression she had made on him. He told me that he had kept a note from her that she wrote when he blessed the Sacrament for the first time; because he had to repeat it 3 times. Her note thanked him for teaching her about humility. What an impact she had on him and all of us. Our two daughters that got to hear her bear her testimony at Girls Camp said it was an incredible experience to hear her testimony, but more so, to hear your dad's great desire for her to bear it, almost knowing it would be for the last time. She was a fantastic woman. We love her and will miss her. We pray for your dad and our Wonderful Stake President and friend and all of you and hope that you know how much families mean to eachother.
    With Love, Ryan & Sheryl Ellison

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  36. Dear Wood family,
    We have had a hard time coming to terms with this sad news...we just saw Kent and Kathy in January when they came to Peru to visit with Christina and Jason and we were rejoicing in the opportunity to see them again after so many years and renew our friendship. Kent was our old missionary companion when we served together in Buenos Aires Argentina. We loved getting to know Jason and Christina who stayed here for a few months. We could feel and see the great love that Kathy and Kent have for their children and for each other. We are so touched to read of the tremendous influence they have had in the lives of others. They truly are Christlike examples for us all. We are far away right now but our prayers and fasting are with your family this day and we love you. The only sting in death is for those who do not believe. We know that Christ made it possible for families to be eternal and that is one of the great miracles of the atonement. Trust in God and he will lead you by the hand as you walk this difficult path together as a family and whatever we can do to help we are here for you.
    With great love and affection, Jeff and Peggy Elmer Lima Peru

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  37. My familiy and I have only had the pleasure of knowing Kent and Kathy for a few months now, and I only personally met Kathy once, as Kent and I work together in the astronomy department at Folsom Lake College. Even in this short amount of time it was easy to tell that the Woods are wonderful people. The one instance we did spend time together outside of work together my smaller children gravitate towords Kent's and Kathy's kind hearts and spent much of the occasion with them. My wife Stephanie and I and our children were looking forward to getting to know the Woods even better and you could only imagine our shock when we heard of the accident. We want the Wood familiy to know that our thoughts and prayers go out to you all and that we wish the Kent the speediest of recoveries.

    The Hale Family

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  38. Wood Family, I am so shocked and sadden to hear of the loss of your Mom. It was just this past Sunday, Father's Day, that I was talking to Katie (Barry) Wersching about the time that your Mom and I would sit and nurse our babies at your kitchen table and how much bigger Tommy was than Eric. Tom Sr. just mentioned last week when we were driving my the property out in east Antioch that this was the property that Kent was interested in purchasing with us and building our custom homes.

    All of us still talk about the times we had when you lived in the court. The court parties, swimming, races, BBQ, picnics at the park and of course, the swim meets where your family sang the National Athem before the meet started. Also Tom and I remember the time we left all the kids at home and went skiing with your folks, just the four of us at Northstar.

    We are truly sadden and thank you for the updates on your fathers recovery and your mother's memorial. Please give your family our love, thoughts and prayers. Always, Tom, Rosalie, Jessica, Tommy and Jackie

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  39. Dan, thanks so much for keeping us updated. Your mother was and continues to be an inspiration to so many, including myself, and I know that she would have been the first one lending a hand in times of turmoil or tragedy. Kathy was a wonderful mother, neighbor, and friend, and she will be missed. My prayers go out to you all for your loss, and I will pray for Kent's speedy recovery.

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