Neal Edward Wood was born December 14, 1933, in Moscow, Idaho, the youngest of 4 children.  He was raised on farms in the area where his family grew wheat, peas, and barley. Life was exciting and hard work, and he learned many skills. He was a Boy Scout and went on to become an Eagle Scout. He met Janice Kae Roberts in the 8th grade, they were both French horn players in their middle school marching band and the two eventually married on December 18, 1953.  Neal went to Washington State University, where he earned an engineering degree. While in college, he was a gymnast and tried out for the Olympics.

Upon graduation, the couple moved with their firstborn (Teri/Kalen) to southern California where Neal worked in the aerospace industry for 25 years. Two more children were born, Laura and Michael. Neal was an excellent craftsman and built additional rooms, cabinets, decks, clocks, furniture, and also frames for his oil paintings.  If he wasn't using his table saw to cut wood, he was busy fixing a car or repairing an appliance.  The family enjoyed camping vacations and visited National Parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone as well as the Sierras. He enjoyed hiking, fishing, and natural history. In 1979, Neal and Janice bought property on the Pend Oreille River and with help from their kids built an A-frame home, where they raised livestock and birds, and grew vegetables and flowers.  Neal was active in the Priest River Chamber of Commerce and they both enjoyed Round Dancing.

After Janice passed away, Neal met Beverley Walker also a round dancer. They married on November 22, 1992.  Beverley and Neal developed the log cabin they lived in into a beautiful home. They had Morgan horses for a while and enjoyed gardening and taking trips together. Beverley's children, Diana and Russell, became part of Neal's family, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren from both sides of the family.  Neal died quietly at home at the age of 90, just as he would have wished!

Neal was an "old-fashioned gentleman" who took good care of his family and friends. He was a wonderful and humble example of a competent, capable, and kind human being. We are strengthened by his steadfast and upright character and we will miss him!  He was a Christian, and a dedicated member of the Dalkena Church in Newport, Washington, to which donations can be made in his honor.