JACKIE (JACK) LEONARD WOOD

Jackie (Jack) Leonard Wood, beloved husband of Florence Lorraine Wood, passed away Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 at First Care Medical Services in Fosston, Mn. His death was induced by Alzheimer’s complications.
Surrounded by loved ones, he peacefully was ushered into the Lord’s presence. At his time of death, no words were left unspoken. Jack knew that he was well-loved.
Jack was born Sept. 10, 1927, in Fort Frances, Ont. to Frank and Mildred Wood. He grew into a strapping young lad who embraced the rich bounty of northern Minnesota. Jack spent much of his leisure time hunting, fishing, and excelling in every kind of sport, from archery to golfing.
Blessed with agility and keen eye-hand co-ordination, Jack competed in many sports events and often won. His daughter, Patti, recently found several monetary fishing awards from Sportsman’s that were never redeemed.
Jack also loved music, especially tunes from the Big Band era. He would always take command of the dance floor.
Jack married Florence Lorraine Hull on Nov. 30, 1957. Rumour has it he was so smitten by her youthful glow that he fell over her feet in the local theater and later got her name to commence a courtship.
Jack worked for Boise Cascade as a finishing and loading supervisor for more than 30 years. He had an unrelenting work ethic, often working two and three jobs simultaneously in the early years of marriage to provide for his family.
On the weekends, Jack was found navigating the sterling waters of Rainy Lake while guiding for Curtis Island.
For more than 25 years, Jack and his wife owned and operated a small family resort, Kozy Kove Kamp. Jack was in his element as he knew Rainy Lake well and enjoyed escorting guests to his prime fishing spots.
During this season of Jack’s life, he and his wife met lifelong friends.
There was a soft side to this “man’s man,” and it was not better seen than when he interacted with animals. He trained hunting dogs for sports shows in his younger years and just had a natural love for all of God’s creatures. His wife and daughter fondly remember him gently stroking a small sparrow’s heart in resuscitation after it had collided into a window.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Mildred Wood; and nephew, Gary Wood.
He is survived by his wife, Florence Wood; daughter, Patti Wood-Thompson; brother, Frances Wood; nephew, Terry Wood; and niece, Jan Wood.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in International Falls.
In memoriam donations may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association at 202 Ordean Building, 424 West Superior St., Duluth, Mn., 55802.
Condolences may be offered at www.greenlarsen.com