Owen Earl Wood, our adored husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away on August 12th, 2023 due to complications from an accident in Lake Powell. He was surrounded by his family and welcomed into the arms of his baby girl, Robin Lynn.
Owen, also known as “Woody”, was born in Salt Lake City to Theron and Neta Wood on November 28, 1943. He was the third of four children and loved his siblings Sharon, Lynn and Wayne. Owen met the love of his life, Janet Kaye Hollen when they were just 14 years old. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 11th, 1965, 58 years ago.
Owen loved his childhood. He grew up playing baseball and basketball. But his favorite thing to do was go hunting with his dad, his brothers and his brother-in-law. He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in pharmacy in 1968. He worked as a pharmacy director for Grand Central for 11 years before starting his own long term care pharmacy in 1979.
Owen told everyone he only worked hard enough so he could play even harder. Throughout his life, he loved to play golf with his friends and cheer on the Utes with his family. He spent over 40 years in Lake Powell teaching countless people how to waterski with amazing patience. He had a lifelong love of hunting that started when Santa brought him his first shotgun at the age of 10. Walking the fields with him, eating “pucky” from his pockets, will be some of our most cherished memories. Owen loved adventure and he followed Janet all around the world because she was his world. He was engaging and had a gift for connecting with everyone he met. He welcomed them with a big smile, a hug or a handshake. He told the best stories and listened intently when others shared their stories with him. He had the best laugh, the sweetest cry face and the most tender heart.
Owen was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints with a strong testimony of the Savior. He served in several callings but loved working with the youth the most. They were drawn to his sense of humor and his ability to make them feel important and seen. He served an 18-month mission with his sweetheart in Stockholm Sweden, serving the YSA and missionaries there. He shared his testimony with others through his open, accepting heart and love of the Gospel. He was a true disciple of Christ.
Owen loved his family. He was proud of them and made them each feel special. He leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories with his eternal companion, Janet, his children, Michael (Melissa) Wood, Misty (Lane) Lewis, and Emily (Jon) Stones,13 grandchildren Josh (Brooke) Wood, Carley (Adrian) Ramjoué, Erin (Raleigh) Allen, Savanna (Colson) Anderson, Elizabeth (Ethan) Dixon, Jaxson Lewis, Carson Lewis, Autumn Wood, Caden Stones, Tyler Stones, Colton Lewis, Bode Stones and Rylee Stones and 2 great grandchildren, Henry and Louis Ramjoué and one on the way, Robin Marie Allen.
In addition to his family, Owen leaves a trail of friendships, a testament to his impact on others. His family would like to thank each and every one of them for their love and support during this time.
A viewing will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. August 18, 2023 and from 9-10:45am prior to the services at the LDS ward house on 2195 E. Pepperwood Drive, Sandy, Utah. Funeral services will be held in the same building at 11:00 a.m. August 19, 2023. Following the funeral, a graveside service will take place at the Salt Lake City Cemetery on 200 N St E, Salt Lake City.
To view the COMPLETED services via Zoom please click the "Watch Services" button or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/qL19r1YHmWocBQem52A0GvNdvq9qxpnpIm7dK5kB7D2JE3wZF-H4xVMOunYyaDKL.RQoXKseWsHOkrgMK?startTime=1692462765000
We are so sorry to hear of Owen's passing. He had a friendly smile for everyone. I am sure there was a great reunion with my parents Connie (Wood) and Boyd Terry. We love our family!
Sending comfort to you all.
Pamela and David Scott, Sue and Lee Follett, Jolene and Mike Phinney, Jeffrey and Jill Terry, Lisa and Larry Lasky
We were so sorry to hear about Owen. I loved him so much. It was always fun to see you guys. We will be in California so we will miss the service. Just know we love you. I'm sure Theron, My dad and Owen are remembering all the hunting trips they went on.
We were so saddened to hear of Owen's accident and subsequent death. We know you are taking great comfort in the wonderful life he lived and in all his achievements. He was always so loving to his family and friendly to all who met him. He was truly a gentleman and one of our favorite cousins. The photo truly depicts the happy smile with which he greeted everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So many fond memories of uncle Owen to me and Aunt Janet my name sake - He always made you feel so important in the universe and I know my Dad adored him and all the fun he and uncle Roy had together - Our hearts are broken but you can bet My Dad was right there in line to greet his Amazing Cuz ! So many fond memories - Nothing but love to the Owen Wood family ❤️
Dear Janet and family,
I'm sincerely sorry to hear about the accident and complications and resulting death of Owen.
You and Owen are a special couple & will be together again with your family for eternity.
It's such a blessing and comfort knowing of Heavenly Father's plan & the Saviour's atonement.
Some of my fondest memories as a young single adult was having Woody in our bishopric. We were lucky to have amazing leadership at that time in our lives, but also individuals that cared for us and were our friends. I feel that is a rare trait these days. Woody always had a smile that could pull you out of darkness, and would take the time catch up even if he was heading someone.
My heart broke when I saw that you passed Woody. We lost a giant but man heaven gained someone pretty awesome with you, Say hi to my dad up there. He’s the one probably saying something totally inappropriate.
Love to the Wood family!
Dear Janet,
I was so sad to read about Owen’s accident and untimely death. I have known both of you since Jr. high school, and Owen before that. You have always been such wonderful friends and classmates.
I am very happy I was able to see Owen and you at our last reunion. We all had such a nice time celebrating 60 years since graduation from South. I will keep these memories in my heart.
Love and blessings to you and your family,
Cheryl
So sorry to hear of the passing of Owen. We have fond memories of Owen and family growing up with ours as neighbors and friends in Pepperwood. It was always fun running into Owen and Janet at our favorite restaurants. He was a happy, charismatic and friendly guy and will be missed. We are blessed to have known him. Unfortunately we will be out of town and will not be able to attend the services but our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
We are so sorry to hear of Owen's passing. He had a friendly smile for everyone. I am sure there was a great reunion with my parents Connie (Wood) and Boyd Terry. We love our family!
Sending comfort to you all.
Pamela and David Scott, Sue and Lee Follett, Jolene and Mike Phinney, Jeffrey and Jill Terry, Lisa and Larry Lasky
We love being with Owen and Janet. They both have a spirit of friendship and love they give to others. They are special people and we are keeping you and your family in our prayers and Owens Legacy in our hearts.
Misty knows how much I loved her folks, Janet & Owen!! I was always jealous of her having such amazing parents. (Mine… not so much!) this absolutely breaks my heart for her and her mom, Janet and her siblings!! It’s so rare to know someone who’s so happy and outgoing in their lives that “on contact” touch others lives.
Owen and Janet are just those people.. making a difference in so many others lives just by inviting them into their home or a trip to Lake Powell for ur 21st birthday!
! The world needs more “Owens”!! And Janet’s too!! Im blessed to have met them and receive their kindness!! And more so, their daughter Misty!! She’s a great GREAT person!! And.. I love you so much girl!! Im sorry you have to endure this sadness!! Hugs. Becky.
We were so saddened when we heard about Owens passing. We can’t even imagine what you’re going through. May you feel our Heavenly Fathers peace and love. . Our prayers and much love to the Wood family.
Janet & Family,
We are devastated to hear of your loss. Owen is such an amazing man, friend, husband, father, & grandfather (don’t know if he’s a great-grandfather yet or not). Please know we would be there if we could but our prayers are with each of you.
Lovingly,
Elder & Sister Bodell
We moved into Pepperwood in 1991 and soon became acquainted with Owen and Janet. They have become cherished friends indeed. They have truly blessed our lives. We hope we have returned that love to them. We are here for you. We love you
Janet, Misty, Lane, Mike, Emily and Extended Family, we love you all so much. Like everyone, we are in shock that our dear friend Owen has gone ahead. We miss his million dollar smile and the huge hug that genuinely says I’ve missed you friend. Janet you compliment his personality and the two of you are such an example of Christlike love. The Lewis family has been the benefactor of your unbelievable generosity and hospitality. We’ve laughed, skied, golfed, and cherished every moment we’ve spent together. You are an amazing couple with a beautiful family and a darling daughter to welcome Dad home. We love you all so much…
Thank you Owen thank you Janet for all you gave for all you taught, sincerely
Owen was a wonderful friend and example to me and my family. Owen and Janet were to very first bed to welcome me into the ward after moving to Utah from Houston Texas. I will never forget the love, support, friendship and friendship examples Owen and Janet have been to me. Owen was truly a Christlike person. My thoughts and prayers are with Janet and the family. I love you.
Janet and family
RC gave me the sad news about Owen. Sorry we couldn’t be there. The viewing was over before I found out and we couldn’t make the funeral. I wished we could have been there to see you..Owen was a great leader when we were in young men’s with him, he had a big influence on our lives. Sorry for your loss, he will be greatly missed.
So sorry for your lost, he was a great man, and did many great things with his family. My you be at peace knowing that he is with his parents and your daughter. God bless you all.
Janet, our hearts and prayers are with you. We pray you will find peace. Owen is in a better place and happy to be reunited with his loved ones.
How to condense memories of over 50 years into a paragraph?!? So many of the things in our home remind us of Owen (and Janet). So much of our slang and sayings we use daily originated in our friendship! Most important we can’t even say “Owen” without saying “and Janet”! The two have lived together as one! We pray for them as they are separated for a time.
Our friendship began when they moved to Cache Valley and included 6 couples. Our children were very young. It continued while they lived in Pocatello and finally as they welcomed us into their beautiful home in Sandy. Skiing trips with and w/o our children come to mind as well as hunting trips and the days at Lake Powell working on Lazy Days! They made the effort to visit us in Samoa while we were there, and we in turn, visited them in Sweden. We’ve vacationed together in many countries, and lately have spent part of each winter together in St. George. But whether we were near or far we have been blessed to be with Owen and Janet. We always have had great fun and have been enriched by their companionship! Their kindness and hospitality have been legend! They have loved cared about our children.
In this world lasting friendships with those who help us live better and who love Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Chirst, are rare. We are so grateful for the friendship we have had with Owen and Janet, and we look forward to this friendship continuing throughout eternity.
Dear Janet, Mike, Misty, and Emily,
This was a very sorrowful time in our lives as we thought of this one great man in our lives. Janet, you and Woody were a special couple in our younger lives in Pepperwood. It was so fun doing things with the Wood family. You two were very inclusive and accepting to us, and we thank you for your gift of reaching out to us. In our insignificance, you were giants in our world. We are proud to say you honored us by including us in your friend and neighbor group.
We weren't able to attend the funeral because we now live in Arizona full time, and we are moving slower than you and Owen. As we listened to the recorded funeral services, we recognized that you two have continued your active lifestyle, and that is great. That is a trademark for the two of you.
We care about you. We pray for your strength and peace to move forward in Owen's absence for a season.
We send our love and hope as Owen would say, "Have some great days ahead!"