Maurice Wood

Maurice Wood

Longtime Napa resident, Maurice Wood passed away on May 7, 2011, at the age of 81. He was born to Dr. Lloyd and Margaret Wood in Woodland, Calif., on Sept. 4, 1929. 

He grew up in Santa Rosa, where he participated in Boy Scouts and enjoyed photography. He attended UC Berkeley, where he received his bachelor’s degree and teaching credential and became a member of the Pi Kappa Phi brotherhood. He joined the U.S. Army as part of the Korean war effort, during which he served at the White Sands, N.M. Proving Ground and where he was awarded a medal of good conduct. 

He was married to Jewel Marie Bell in 1961, in Stockton. They settled in Napa, where he began a rewarding 33-year career teaching English at Napa High. He truly enjoyed his job, connecting with his students and peers alike. 

He was an avid hiker, sailor and skier, and his dedication to the outdoors led to him being elected president of the Sierra Club’s Redwood Chapter in the late 1960s. 

He is survived by his wife, Marie Wood of Napa; daughter, Jeanette Hoffman; son-in-law, Mark; and grandchildren, Bella and Grant of Pacifica. He was predeceased by his son, Malcolm. 

Instead of suggesting donations to one of his many causes, he would have liked for you to take a friend to lunch. His memorial reception will be held at the Napa Women’s Club on Sunday, May 22, at 2:30 p.m. Arrangements by Skyview Memorial Lawn, Vallejo.