Oscar Wood Moyle IV

1972 ~ 2024


Wood Moyle, a literal and figurative giant in the community, died unexpectedly on May 19, 2024 from surgical complications. He was 52 years old.

Immediately recognizable for his tall stature, big smile, and booming laugh, Wood worked tirelessly to guide organizations that touched countless lives in Utah. He served on the boards of the Crimson Club, the Natural History Museum of Utah, Rowland Hall-St. Mark’s School, and Westminster University. He was a director of the Edward L. Burton Foundation and a director and chair of the R. Harold Burton Foundation. Wood’s steady, enthusiastic, thoughtful, and strategic leadership elevated the boards on which he served and his fellow board members alike. His positive presence, deep caring, stellar insights, unparalleled work ethic, quick wit, and sense of humor will be sorely missed.

Natural History Museum of Utah Executive Director, Jason Cryan, reflected, “Wood has long been an integral part of the Museum community. He was instrumental in the campaign for NHMU’s beautiful home, the Rio Tinto Center.” Wood chaired NHMU’s annual Lecture Series Planning Committee, helping to identify, evaluate, and invite the incredible speakers who bring their scientific expertise to enrich the Utah community.

Rowland Hall Head of School, Mick Gee, observed, “In addition to being an engaged and active parent in his children’s lives, Wood’s unwavering commitment to Rowland Hall has been immeasurable.” Over his 11-year tenure on the Board of Trustees, he chaired the Nominating Committee and the Capital Campaign Committee and led the Headmaster’s Council while also contributing significantly to the Governance Task Force.

Wood was passionate about helping the underserved and marginalized citizens in our community. He believed that education changes the future for children and should be available to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. R. Harold Burton Foundation Executive Director, Steve Morgan, said of Wood, “He loved his family and was grateful for his heritage. His grandfather and grandmother, who created the foundation in 1985, would be so proud of his thoughtful stewardship and efforts to honor their legacy.” During his tenure, the foundation awarded over 3,000 grants to hundreds of Utah nonprofit organizations, improving the lives of thousands of children and adults.

He valued service to our country, supported programs for veterans, and led the campaign to create The Center for Veteran and Military Services at Westminster. Westminster President, Beth Dobkin, commented, “Wood was instrumental in supporting Westminster’s transition from college to university and the Board of Trustees' statement and action plan regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. His warmth and humor extended across his leadership roles. Wood will be deeply missed and his contributions to Westminster will be remembered for years to come.”

Wood was born in Salt Lake City on February 5, 1972 to Oscar Wood Moyle III and Judith Covey Burton Moyle. After graduating from Rowland Hall, Wood attended Lewis & Clark College, where he played center for the Pioneers’ basketball team and obtained his bachelor’s degree in history. He obtained his MBA from The Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business at Westminster.

Wood was an avid student, and persuasive debater, of history, politics, and philosophy. He read voraciously and assembled an impressive collection of books on military history. He enjoyed Star Wars films, strategy games, Diet Coke, and Utah and Michigan football. He was a consummate family man and cherished spending time with his son, wife, and stepdaughter. Some of Wood’s favorite times were spent with his family cheering on his son at his basketball and soccer games, building Legos, solving jigsaw puzzles, and reading bedtime stories with voices for each character.

Wood is survived by his wife, Becca; son, Oscar “Ocky” Wood Moyle V; stepdaughter, Emma Elizabeth Umipig; sister, Rebecca Burton Moyle (Tyler Lange); nieces and nephew, Isabella, Anne, Beatrice, and George Lange; “brother,” Noel Edward Hunt; and mother, Judith Covey Burton Moyle.

A celebration of Wood’s outstanding life will be held at the Natural History Museum of Utah on June 3, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. The Moyle family suggests contributions in Wood’s honor to the Natural History Museum Utah or Westminster University.


Guestbook/Condolences

Becca, Ocky, and all of Wood’s family, it’s been a struggle to accept Wood’s incredibly sad departure. I’ve sat next to him at every Westminster board meeting the past nine years. I will miss him terribly. My arms are around all of you.


- Muffy Mead

My sincere condolences to the family. It’s a huge loss.


- Sam Sleiman

Wood's monstrous laugh will live in the heads and hearts of many long past his departure. I am so sorry for the loss.


- Zeke Dumke IV

I will miss my cousin, his joy, laugh and the sparkle in his eyes. I am saddened beyond belief with this loss. I am holding you and yours in my heart during this time and always.
May his memory be eternal


- Paula Swaner Sargetakis

My heart is broken 💔💔


- Annette Farrell

I was heartbroken to hear of Wood's passing. I've only known him a few years, but he was always so welcoming and kind. He made me, and everyone else, feel like a close friend. I'm grateful for the time he mentored me on the Westminster University board. He was a wonderful friend and father, and his service in the community was inspiring. Becca, Ocky, and Emma I am so sorry for your loss.


- Keri Hale

I had the pleasure and knowing and working with Wood during his time with the Salt Lake City Department of Airports. He was well liked and had a great sense of humor. It is heartening to know that Wood went on to marry, have a family and do work that he cared about (he often spoke of the Burton Foundation, Natural History Museum, etc.). I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.


- Tamra (Oleson) Turpin

One of the kindest and gentlest people I have ever known. The best booming laugh that I ever heard. I will always remember you as my center in the paint. The best teammate anyone could ask for. Rest in Peace.


- Richard Rauschmeier

I adored Wood. He was my boyfriend in high school and after. I am so sorry that he passed so young.

I was a kid who was extremely poor, who was a nobody. Wood and I really liked each other. I remember him as my friend who watched movies that he hated and who thought about military books and movies constantly.

I’m so sad he has passed . Wood was my first love. I was glad he found someone he adored/

I’m so sad he’s gone.


- Ali Wilson Melaina