Michael Wood's Obituary
Michael Wood, 72, passed away peacefully in his home on April 7th, 2025. He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Pamela Patterson (deceased 1995), a cherished partner to Chris Wolf, and a truly exceptional father to his children, Alex, James (Adrienne), and Cat. He departed this life surrounded by his loving family, including his dogs Ripley and Ruth.
A brilliant electrical engineer, Michael programmed countless machines across the spectrum of manufacturing, processing, and refinement. His enduring legacy quietly thrives in the mass production that underpins our world in ways most could never imagine. From the intricate workings of steel mills and food packaging to the precise operations of even the Taiwanese Mint, his talent and dedication profoundly influenced the modern world. When discussing his work, he often quipped, "We do the difficult every day; the impossible just takes a little bit longer."
Beyond his professional achievements, Michael possessed a deep passion for rescuing senior dogs, especially beagles. He dedicated considerable time and affection to providing these often-overlooked companions with a loving home and care in their twilight years. He always extended his gentle spirit to offer them comfort and security.
An avid fan of science fiction, particularly Star Trek, Michael embraced life with the unwavering morals befitting the Federation. He imparted profound philosophies to his children, such as "infinite diversity in infinite combinations" and "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one." In keeping with his love for Star Trek, Sto-vo-kor welcomes a warrior, one who fiercely championed his family and bravely battled his illness.
A celebration of Michael's life will be held on May 18th at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Guests should follow the signage for "Stillwater Event" parking, where a tram will provide transportation to the venue. Doors will open at 10:30 am, with the service commencing at 11:00 am, followed by a light lunch. Attendees will also enjoy full access to the zoo.
The attire for the service is smart casual. Given that guests will have the opportunity to explore the zoo, please ensure your clothing is weather-appropriate and comfortable for walking.
For those unable to make it in person, you are encouraged to join us on Zoom using the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/e7HmCXRDQdm0HE7FX86CUg
In place of flowers, please donate to the Cleveland Zoo at the link below. Be sure to check the “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone” box and include the name “Michael Wood.” This will contribute to a memorial plaque to be placed near one of Michael’s favorite animals - Spooky the Cockatoo.
https://www.clevelandzoosociety.org/support-us/fundraising-campaigns/honor-and-memorial/donate
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