Everett Rider Wood

Everett Rider Wood (97) of Fort Collins, passed away peacefully on July 9th at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Denver, Colorado on February 28th, 1925 to Russell and Emma Wood, he grew up in north Denver during the Depression. Everett (Woody) always met the challenges of the time with a zest for life, regardless of the circumstances. Woody served in the Army in the European Theater during WWII from June 1942 to December 1945. He always said that he was given his diploma in one hand and his draft notice in the other. Upon his return from service on December 24th, 1945, he met the love of his life, Jean Marie Bamford and married her 2 1/2 years later. He was the only one in his family to attend college. By using his veterans education benefits to attend Denver University, he earned his 4-year Bachelors degree in Marketing. Together, he and Jean had 4 children, Kimberly, Gregory, Barry and Kelly. While they were young, Woody and Jean sparked family interest in travel by seeking out and exploring other world cultures. Without ever leaving their home, they brought the world right into their own living room by entertaining over 50 people from over 22 different countries. The family amassed a group of very interesting and diverse international friends in the process, many of whom are still connected to this day. Admired for his ability to accept circumstances beyond his control, Woody spent his adult life living with Post-polio syndrome with grace. In 1969, the family moved to Fort Collins where Woody began his career as International Marketing Manager for Teledyne Waterpik. He retired in 1987(?) but found that he missed engaging with people, so he tried his hand at teaching in the Marketing department for Aims Community College in Greeley. His love of family and his insatiable interest for history led him to author 2 books where he intertwined the stories told to him by his father with actual historical events. Woody loved to sing and did so every day. He was a storyteller extraordinaire and would have us all listening intently even if we’d heard the story a dozen times before. His jokes and attempts to express himself in foreign languages were priceless and his humor…infectious. He built bridges with his easy charm and never knew a stranger. Preceded in death by his wife of 55 years Jean, daughter Kimberly, brother Russell, sister Virginia, and parents Russell Sr and Emma Wood. He leaves behind his children; Gregory Wood (Cindy Fravel) Barry Wood ( Michele) Kelly Ford (David) all of Fort Collins. His grandchildren; Ashley Wood of Fort Collins, Corey Wood of Denver, Dillon Ford (Courtney) of Severance, and Mackenzie Marquez (Luke) of Ault. His great grandchildren; Isabella and Flynn of Severance and MaCyiah and Rider of Ault. He also leaves behind 7 nieces, 3 grand nieces and 3 grand nephews. In lieu of flowers, you may honor Woody by making a donation in his name to postpolio.org Cremation has taken place and a small family celebration of his life is being planned for a later date. Finally, in his own words— “Engage in life, be kind and be gracious. Family… is everything! Do for others every day and play the hand you’ve been dealt to the best of your abilities. Don’t postpone joy and learn something new every day. Most of all, don’t forget to laugh daily… it’s so important!” Everett Wood-02/28/1925 – 07/09/2022

Everett Rider Wood

February 28, 1925 - July 9, 2022