Events
Collin Bryce Wood was born on September 19, 1986 at Alta View Hospital in Sandy, Utah to Gordon Keith and Nancy Ann (Birchell) Wood. The family lived in Sandy, Utah, until Collin was two years old when they moved to Kearns, Utah. He attended Thomas S. Bacchus Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Junior High, and Kearns High School. Collin acquired an interest in aviation at an early age. In 1998, at the age of twelve, he joined the Civil Air Patrol, a civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. While in high school, he was also a member of the Army Junior ROTC. Collin enlisted in the United States Navy in the Delayed Entry Program and, having earned enough credits, graduated from Kearns High School a semester early. He left for basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois, in January 2005. After graduation from basic training, he went to Pensacola, FL, for further training as a Navy Ordinance man, and then he went on to NAS Lemoore for training on the F/A-18 Hornet. He was then assigned to VFA-195 Dambusters based at NAF Atsugi, Japan. VFA-195 is part of forward deployed Carrier Air Wing 5; at the time Collin joined the squadron, CVW-5 was part of the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 strike group. He applied for admission to the United States Naval Academy and was accepted in 2007. Collin went to the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, Rhode Island, before going to Annapolis, Maryland, to the United States Naval Academy. After two years at the Naval Academy, Collin decided to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
In 2010, Collin entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. He served in the France/ Paris mission which included Namur, Belgium. He returned from his mission in 2012 and reentered the Naval Academy, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history. He married Megan Marler in the Washington DC Temple the day after graduation from the USNA and later divorced. After graduation, Ensign Collin Wood served on board the USS Forest Sherman DDG-98, where he was promoted to Lieutenant JG, earned the Surface Warfare Supply Officer pin, and was awarded a Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal of 1st Tour Division Officer. Collin was assigned to the United States Navy Fleet Logistics Center in Bahrain where he was promoted to Lieutenant and recognized for excellence of leadership. He resigned from his commission in the Navy in 2019 and returned to the United States, settling in Florida, where he began to pursue flight training to become a commercial pilot. He was a multi-engine rated commercial pilot nearing completion of his instructor pilot rating.
In 2020, Collin joined the National Guard 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) as an Intelligence Analyst. He felt this was his calling to offer more opportunities to deploy and have an impact across the globe. He achieved this while deployed to Niger as part of the Advanced Operation Base Sahel. He was responsible for giving daily intelligence briefings. His mastery of French and self-taught fluency in Arabic proved vital to communicating with partner forces, drastically improving interoperability between French and Nigerian forces. Throughout his deployment, he volunteered to provide desperately needed assistance to orphans. He most recently graduated the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist Course as an honor graduate.
Collin was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He looked for opportunities to serve others and took advantage of those opportunities.
Collin is survived by his parents and two sisters, Nicholette Dawn Lambert and Eryn Virginia Hunt.
Funeral services will be held at Noon on Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park Chapel located 17111 South Redwood Road in Bluffdale, Utah. A viewing will take place 6 to 8 PM the evening of Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Larkin Mortuary - Riverton located 3688 West 12600 South in Riverton, Utah as well as Friday prior to services at the Cemetery Chapel beginning at 11 AM. Interment will follow with Military Funeral Honors in the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park.
Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the previously held services, please click the "Watch Services" link above.
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Guestbook/Condolences
Hello everyone, I learned some sad news about the death of Collin Wood, he is a good friend, all my condolences to his family, he is a man of great heart, we met in Niger, thanks
Wood was a dedicated man to every aspect of his life. He was dedicated to being the best he could be religiously, honorably, and emotionally for others. If anyone deserves to rest easily and in peace, it is truly Collin Wood.
My condolences to the family.
Wood was a good man, dedicated to his country; and will be missed by all of us.
I had fun talking with you in French even if though I didn’t know how to speak fluently, may you be at eternal peace
RIP uncle Collin, September 19, 1986 - January 10, 2025
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my uncle, SGT Collin Bryce Wood. He was a true hero who dedicated his life to serving our country and helping others. Rest in peace, Uncle Collin.
Miss you uncle Colin!
I’ve still got Chamomile the camel you gave me.
You helped guide me to Christ and you showed great dedication to the lord. You will be missed brother. Your smile and kindness was very powerful.
Keith and Family.... I am so sorry for your loss but what you have posted he was an exceptional man. God needed him home and has big plans for him. Thank goodness for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that we will be together again. Remember the good times and know he is always near you. Talk to him, he can hear you. Much love to your family.
PS. I won't be able to make the funeral or viewing because of prior commitments and my oldest sons birthday. I'll be there in spirit. Prayers to you and family.
I was greatly saddened to hear about Colin's passing. When I was on an unaccompanied tour in Bahrain (I was stationed overseas while my family was back in the US) Colin and Megan adopted me and gave me a family to hang out with, share meals and generally keep from getting too lonely. I'll miss Colin's sense of humor and sense of adventure. The world truly is a darker place for his passing.
We’re grateful that we got to meet Bro. Wood in Bahrain Ward. He has a strong testimony of the gospel and we’re thankful for his example. He will be truly missed. We express our condolences and sympathy to his family.
- Ruth Uy Besite
Religion That God Our Father Accepts As Pure & Faultless Is To Look After Orphans In Thier Distress. This Is Something You Have Done During Your Time On Earth. Will Take You Up On That Dinner Offer When The Time Is Right In The Future. My Condolences To All Collins Family & Friends.
As I mourn the loss of my kind, generous, faithful, loving friend on this day as we celebrate his life, my grateful heart rejoices in the knowledge that he walks with our Heavenly Father now, completing his ultimate earthly goal. Collin met his lofty earthly goals with such grace and humility as he encouraged all those around him to achieve theirs. Our Lord and Savior blessed him and those who loved him. I shall miss my special friend here greatly until we meet again as he now serves HIM on a new path. Onward and upward as usual my friend.
We were neighbors for many years in Kearns I enjoyed watching all your kids grow and mature I remember how much Collin loved aviation so I could relate to him a lot because he reminded me of my brother that I was very close to. Collin would always show me his models that he was so proud of when he would finish them. He really did accomplish a lot in his short life you have a lot to be proud of I am sorry for your loss. My heart is very tender at this time for your loss as I lost my son this last year. My faith has helped me a lot may yours carry you through. Always remember the great times and memories they are truly treasures. You will see him again.
My condolences to the Wood Family on the loss of your son and brother, Sergeant Collin Wood, an exceptional man who rendered great service to his nation, family and God. Condolences also to his Army "family" at 3rd Battalion 20th Special Forces Group who obviously respected and appreciated his service and brotherhood. May God bless you all. "De Oppresso Liber".
Sincerely,
COL (Ret) Andy Burton
US Army Special Forces
Collin was an unexpected friend. I look forward to seeing him again.
Lived a life of service to others. Rest in peace classmate.
With great affection and respect, I pay my respects to the family of my friend Colin Wood. An invaluable professional partner, airmen, astronaut candidate and a true man of God. He will be greatly missed in this world and with great sorrow and God's peace I send my condolences to all his family.
Rodrigo Carvalho Santiago
IIAS Astronaut Candidate
To the family of Collin Wood. Your loss will not be for nothing! Collin was an inspiration to many! As for the Army and specifically the Chemical Corps in which he served. He served with honor and distinction. Dedicated to his Unit and teammates. We could ask for nothing less. He was one of the most interesting people in our Corps!
Rest easy now Soldier for your tour of duty is now over. I never knew Collin, but I do know the pain of losing someone that I cherished. To the Family, thank you for Sharing him with us. Thank you for allowing us to be apart of your lives through Collin. May GOD comfort you in your time of grief.
From one Dragon Soldier to another. My condolences to the family. -Til Vanhalla
R.I.P SGT
My condolence goes out to your family & his friends. May God grant you peace in knowing that your son is at peace. Until we meet at home in the sky, rest well brother.
My deepest condolences to you and your beautiful family. Praying for positive thoughts and memories to flood your family's hearts. God Bless you
I was Collin's cadre at the Naval Academy. He was a wonderful human being. He was very diligent in everything we did and was always on top of his game. He lived life with passion and I remember him always yelling out "Sir, yes, sir" to the detriment of my ear drums. He was a light to those around him. I will never forget you, Midshipman Wood. Rest in peace my friend.
I was an instructor while Collin was at NAPS. A few of the staff that had him are still here and remember him fondly. I am sorry for your loss. He was a kind soul that built relationships and cared about others.
God Bless you all.
Rest easy classmate. USNA '12
My heartfelt prayers go out to the Wood family and all of Collin's friends. I met him at NAPS in 2007, where we bonded as friends and shared moments at the Chapel's Bible study. I recall him as kind, joyful, and profoundly level-headed during our conversations about faith and life's profound questions, always bringing a sense of peace to our discussions. His obituary reflects what I knew of him—a heart dedicated to service. I am proud to have known him during his time here on earth, and I eagerly anticipate reuniting with him in heaven.
Collin and I were at NAPS and the Naval Academy together. He and I are both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and traveled to church together every Sunday for almost two years. We also served missions at the same time and went through the Missionary Training Center together.
Collin was a gentle giant and I will always remember him that way. He will truly be missed. My prayers are with the Wood family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Collin and I were Naval Academy classmates/company mates for two years, and I’ll remember his optimism and passion for service. You have my deepest condolences and prayers for peace during this difficult time.
I am grateful for having had the chance to know you. You have always been a wonderful friend, and your company will be sorely missed.
Collin and I had plans. Adventures to enjoy this world and pacts to show up for each other so we could show up for those we love most. I thought I would share with everyone his last text messages to me. Only a few days before he passed. “I think I’m going to go on another mission.” Now in the context he meant an act of service in this world, but it seems this mission has taken him to the next. I love you my friend - it was a privilege to sharpen steel with you. Always Faithful - Major Michael Ashmore- USNA class of 2014