HORACE C. "HOD" WOOD

"Hod" died as he did all things, when he wanted to.
Hod passed away on Friday, November 4, 2005 at the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley in Sedro-Woolley at the age of 82.
He was born on May 20, 1923 in Sylva, North Carolina, the son of Sallie B. Mathis and Howard C. Wood. His mother died when he was a small child and he came with his grandparents, Coleman and Judy Parker Mathis, and younger brother Odell, to live in Hamilton, WA where he grew up and attended school.
On October 29, 1943 he married Leona Cathey and they made their home at Punkin Center. He joined the U.S. Army during WW II, serving as a Staff Sergeant with the 740th Tank Battalion in Germany and central Europe. He was awarded the bronze star medal, the victory medal and several others.
After returning home Hod became a logger and a hunter, and was good at both. He had worked for several logging companies over the years. He purchased "Skagit Loggers" in 1983 working with his company until his retirement.
He enjoyed sports and coached little league baseball for many years. Hunting was important to him and he loved to hunt cougar and bobcat with his dogs, and he always had the best dogs around. He logged until the snow fell and then hunted during the winter.
Hod is survived by his son, Doug Wood and his wife, Stephanie of Punkin Center; 2 grandsons, Nick Wood and his wife, Lindsay, and Tyson Wood. Daughter, Sally Westman and her husband, Jim of Reno and grandchildren Julie and Lucas Haehn. A sister-in-law, Lois Wood of Corvalis, Oregon & his good friend, Bobo Brayton.
Hod was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Leona; his brother, Odell Wood; his mother, and half-brother, Lamar Wood of Sylva, NC. His good friend of many years, Fremont Buchanan, who died recently.
Graveside Inurnment Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at the Hamilton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to a charity of your choice. Cremation and services under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of Hod and sign the online guestbook at www.lemleychapel.com