"I just saw Chris Wood listed in the Spring 2014 West Notes in the "Requiescant in Pace." I remember Chris as a kind hearted person in our class of 1976. He had a great sense of humor. He was witty and could make almost everyone laugh, and he even laughed at my attempts at humor. I am going to use your phrase going forward, Chris: "Thank you for everything." Thank you for everything, Chris. --- Joe Mahoney (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)"
In loving memory of
Christopher M. Wood
February 9, 1958 - December 23, 2011
MADISON - Christopher M. Wood, age 53, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2011 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg after a long battle with brain cancer. He was united in marriage to the former Donna Padley on September 25, 1993 in Madison, and together they had a son, Samuel, in 1998.
Chris was born on February 9, 1958 in Philadelphia, PA, to Harry and Rita (Miles) Wood. He graduated from the West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys in 1976 and was salutatorian of his class - a role designed especially for him. He attended Villa Nova University, and worked as a software developer in the Philadelphia area until moving to Madison in August 1989 and began work as a contract programmer for Omni Resources. He worked for a variety of agencies for the State of Wisconsin, with the majority of his years in Madison working at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). He later worked at the DNR through Alliance Information Systems until his health declined in 2007.
Chris was a vibrant, passionate man who loved life, people, comedy, and the poetry of the English language. He will be remembered for his quick wit and his old-fashioned way of greeting women with a casual "Hey doll".
But as much as he loved humor and being around friends, he loved and cherished being a father above all else. He spent every minute possible with his son, often seen with Sammy high atop his shoulders in the early years, or playing football with the kids, or setting up rope swings or baseball diamonds in the back yard, or flying kites, and just loving family life.
Chris also loved to work around the house, building a large deck and pergola almost single-handedly. And although he was a fan of the Badgers and the Green Bay Packers, his first love was always Penn State football.
After being diagnosed with a GBM brain tumor in 2007, Chris was determined to fight for every day possible. He met the challenges with courage, wit, and a deep gratefulness for every day he was able to see, and for every person who helped him along the way. And when saying goodbye to anyone, his final words were always the same - "Thank you for everything".
Chris is survived by his wife Donna and son Sammy; his father Harry of Wayne, PA; and his sister Karen (Jack) Rossi of Havertown, PA. He was preceded in death by his mother Rita in April 2011.
A celebration of Chris' life will be held at Cress Funeral Home at 3610 Speedway, Madison, from 5 to 7 PM on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, with a service beginning at 6:30 PM.
"And in the end
the love you take
Is equal to the love you make"
Tributes
"Chris and I grew up on the same street in Philly. He was always so friendly and had a great sense of humor. He was the "go to" guy to turn the fire plug on. He had the special tool that was needed. I remember how all the kids on the street loved him. Rest in peace Chris, you will always be remembered."
"i just saw Chris's name in the "In Memoriam" section of the West Catholic Emissary... I graduated with him. Shocked and sadened to learn of his passing. Great guy, lots of laughs in the neighborhood."
"Chris obviously loved to cook and I remember him showing up at the annual neighborhood picnic one year..very late..after just about everyone was done eating with his most superb corn soufflé. He was so excited about that soufflé! It was worth waiting for! I loved every bite! My only regret was that I didn't get his recipe! Thanks for that memory Chris and for the best corn soufflé I've ever tasted. "