Condolences for Elden Leigh Wood
Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.
From JMA:
Sadly, I didn’t have good experiences with him. He was not very nice to me when I was serving as a missionary in the West Indies Mission, and I never felt compassion or love. I was only left feeling that I was a burden on him.
That said, I’m happy other people have loved him, though. Perhaps my feelings about him will change a bit after reading some more of these condolences.
From Angela Brown Sterner BHS. Class of 1982:
Mr. Wood endured us in 8th and 9th grade choir when he wasnt appreciated as he should have been. I am greatful he was more stubborn than we were as he really did teach us quite a bit. I appreciated him more and more watching the BelCantos thrive and succeed. As a past student I knew he worked 10 times harder than anyone up on those risers; yet he made it look easy as everyone smiled, shined inside out, and sounded beautiful. Thank you Mr. Wood for giving us all joyful concerts (especially when on Christmas that broadcast was the best part of our day). God Bless you!
From Russell D. Richins:
Mr. Wood, what can I say but thank you! I will always treasure my years singing under your guidance and for the lasting memories of those special, growing experiences in Bel Cantos and other vocal ensembles. Thank you for making us all feel welcomed and lifted.
From Dan Wilson (class of "74" ):
I find this testimony striking. God Bless your family in this wonderful memory.
"Sometimes a man comes into this world with such innate purity, steadfast integrity, and unwavering devotion for God and all mankind that the world is made infinitely better because of him. And when that man is at last called home, those left behind cannot help but be better for having been touched by his Christlike goodness."
From Maria Fuentes:
Mr Wood, was the greatest Bel Canto choir teacher ever, so privileged to have known such a pleasant, soft spoken person, with such a kind heart. Condolences, and my heartfelt sympathy to his family.
From Tamina Thompson Allred:
Clear back when I was a little child I remember being so impressed with the amazing Wood family! We all benefited from the pure heart of Brother Wood and His generous service and also that of the entire Wood family! Thank you for sharing your love and gifts with us!
From Marjorie W Larsen:
I am so sorry for your lost.
Eldon was a remarkable man. He made my job as Secretary at Burley High School so much easier. He alway had his reports turned in on time. Hope you are doing well Picola, my best to you and your Family..
From Kim Green:
What a beautiful and sweet tribute to an incredible man of God! He loved his family, his students, his missionaries and everyone he met. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a cute smile across his lips and a hat to protect him from the sun’s burning rays! May his spirit be close by and comfort the hearts of his dear wife and children,. I love you dear Elden! Till we meet, Till we meet again at Jesus feet! God bless!
From Lily Bell:
I will miss his cute jabs to me about French.
From Karen Lyons Taylor:
It was 50 years ago that I sang The Road Not Taken with the Bel Canto's at Graduation, such a beautiful song. Mr. Wood was a wonderful conductor who, along with my mother, started me on a life time of singing in choirs. I will always be grateful for him and have told many people through the years about my high school choir teacher! I will always remember our singing tour that had a stop at the prison in Boise where many inmates cried during our songs. The power of music can always touch people's hearts. My thoughts are with all of you today.
From Beth Skeem Hoggan:
Dearest Uncle Elden and Aunt Picola. Your love of the Lord and your example of service has inspired and guided us through the years. Thank you for that. We love you! Beth and Phil Hoggan
From Darla Kemp Enders:
When I think of high school, I think of Mr. Wood. I sang in the chorus for one year and three years in Bel Cantos. He was a kind, gentle teacher that demonstrated respect to each and every student.
From Kevin and Deana Christensen :
Our thoughts and prayers for your family during this difficult time. What a wonderful man!
From Anita Lyons:
Since hearing of Mr. Wood's passing, I have had a flood of good memories of the choral classes I took from him. Each Christmas I think of him when I hear "Carol of the Bells" and how he would tell us that it was a Merry "Crisp-mas" song encouraging us to sing the words crisply. I loved singing the Robert Frost poems, especially the Road Not Taken. It was a blessing to have been taught by him. My prayers and sympathy to the family.
From Michele Sleight:
Brother Wood was a very special person who touched my life for good. I am blessed to have known him and so happy to know that someone so good is in a wonderful place blessing other lives. I know that you will miss him so much. My sympathy to you all.
From Kevin Luke:
The influence of Elden Wood is a great blessing in my life. I have often reflected on the time I spent in one of his many Burley High School choirs, on the encouragement and inspiration he gave, and on the power of music that he helped me feel. He was instrumental in helping me cultivate appreciation of music and the goodness it brings to life. Robyn and I send our love and prayers to the Wood family at this time of loss. He is deeply missed.
From Mary Gochnour Monroe:
Mr. Wood was kind, talented, and a thoughtful, impactful teacher. The Robert Frost quotation was perfect. As has been said by others, Mr. Wood was able to choose challenging music that appealed to high school students, and he brought difficult music like the Messiah to life. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you deal with his passing.
From Joanne Chatham:
Dear Sister Wood
I will never forget you and Your Eternal Companion. I loved hearing your stories in Relief Society about your family and missions. You were such an inspiration to me. I am so blessed to have known you both and grateful you were called here to the Nova Scotia to serve. My prayers are for you and your family at this time.
From Patti Johnson Malecha:
Mr Wood taught his students much more than music. His classes were most enjoyable to attend. He was a very patient, caring and kind teacher. Through his gentle but firm persuasion, he taught us to harmonize and showed us that by listening to each other and following direction, we could make the most beautiful music. Being part of Bel Cantos was a real joy for me. So many years have passed, but I still truly appreciate all the hard work Mr. Wood put into directing the choirs and the plays. At times it must have been a great challenge. Mr. Wood was truly a blessing.
From Mike Carlson:
All of the sharing and caring offered by President and Sister Wood elevated those around them as they led the West Indies Mission. Thank you to the family for supporting him as he shared his life and the message of the gospel.
From Walt & Eileen Petersen:
We send our deep, heart-felt condolences to Picola and family. We all were enriched by knowing Elden and loved him! We put a longer memory on, but guess we didn't do it correctly. Love from Walt & Eileen Petersen and family--Janie, Gary, Steve, David, Julie, Brian, and Jen, and their families.
From Tami Schlappi:
What a wonderful man!! What a wonderful legacy and impact he and Picola have made on this earth. There is no doubt as to where he is and what he is doing now...still serving! My love and prayers go out to the whole family.
From Vince Vincent:
My Dearest Sister Wood, It seems so long ago that we had the pleasure of Eldon and yourself serving in the Halifax Nova Scotia Temple, and yet in other way it seems just yesterday. We have missed you both greatly. Eldon was, and still is, a great man, and I hope you find comfort in knowing he is yours forever. You will be together again. Take care dear sister. With deepest sympathy.
From Betty Rhodenizer:
I have had the privilege and joy of working with, and getting to know and love Brother and Sister Wood, in the Halifax Nova Scotia Canada Temple. My love and prayers go out to dear, gentle Brother Wood's sweet wife and family. Will never forget you.
From Jackie O’Hearon:
The choirs in Heaven just received an amazing new member. So very grateful to have served with Brother and Sister Wood in the Halifax NS temple. Sending our love and heartfelt condolences.
From Carla Crane Osborne :
Mr Wood was my loving teacher throughout High school. He was always kind, considerate, patient, and genuinely interested in helping me to strive harder and be better. I’m sure he is creating beautiful Music in heaven.
From Richard Saldaña:
Elden Wood will long be remembered by those who he taught and the many others he helped throughout the years. His life as chronicled in the book, "Blessings of Duty and Love: Lives and Missions of Elden and Picola Wood." is the amazing journey of a man who is worthy of the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." The legacy he leaves behind is going to last for generations. It was a pleasure to have known him.
From Herbert and Eleanor Seymour:
We are grateful to have known and worked with Brother Wood and Sister Wood in the Halifax Nova Scotia temple. We appreciated Bro. Wood for his kindness and meekness. Our condolences to you, Sis. Wood and your family at this time. "Be still my soul and know that all is well".
From Laurence & Sidney Pitt:
We have so many memories of our opportunity to serve with Elder and Sister Wood in Nova Scotia. We learned so many things from them. Their dedication to the Lord and His work is amazing. Sister Wood and family, our hearts go out to you.
From Elizabeth Richardson :
Sister Wood my sincere condolences to you and your family
From Phyllis Morrison:
Dear Sis Wood; So very sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. Please accept my condolances. It was wonderful to know you both and we certainly enjoyed having you as our ward choir director.
From Nan Dalton:
Many condolences to your family. I had the great fortune of being taught by ‘Mr. Wood’. Such a kind, loving talented soul. I loved singing The Messiah in Bel Cantos.
From Julie Haas:
Just saw the obituary - my immediate response was ~ aaawww ~ such a dear man ~ so privileged to have served at the Halifax Temple along side of Elden and Picola - what an amazing couple - rejoicing on the other side at his arrival - our love and prayers for you Picola and your very large family Julie & Bill Haas - Raymond, Alberta
From John & Janet MacLennan:
Dear Sister Wood: How we loved getting to know the two of you when you served in the Halifax Nova Scotia Temple! (It doesn't seem that long ago.) We used to talk about our large families. We both had six children but you outnumbered us in grandchildren. We marvel at your total posterity of 244. We loved reading that wonderful obituary. You both inspire us. Please know that we still miss you and love you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
From Sharon Bean Portela:
I took French for two years from Mr. Wood. I was never very good at it, but he didn't let that stop me. I loved being in his class, and I loved him.
From Gordon and Clara Allen:
To my neighbor a friend God you and your family
From Jean Graham Hennis:
I have nothing but warm remembrances of Mr. Wood. Bel Cantos was such a big part of my high school experience which included the "Messiah" and so many musical experiences. The musical selections, he picked for the choir to sing were really special. I didn't totally realize all of this until a little later, but I want the family to know that he truly was an example to me and I love him for this.
From James Brill:
Celebrate a life of Giving . A very kind soul!
From Donna Beck Sheen:
As another had commented, my love for "The Messiah" began in the Bel Cantos choir that I had the privilege of participating in under the wonderful direction of Eldon. I am eternally grateful for being taught by him. He will be missed, but I'm sure the Heavenly Choir receives him with joy.
From Terri Morley Clark:
Eldon Wood will always hold a special place in my heart, he was kind to me when I needed it most. His example and influence will always be cherished by so many. Brother Wood will be missed. My love and prayers to your family.
From Lu Davis Brower:
Such a wonderful man. I enjoyed him as a teacher and appreciated the kind, gentle person he was. My condolences to the entire family. May Heavenly Father’s arms surround you with peace and comfort at this time.
From Karen McCuistion Anderson:
My fondest high school memories include being part of the Bel Canto choir. Elden brought to the choir a deep love and dedication to music. "The Road Not Taken" had particular significance for me in my two years with the choir. Sending love to the whole family.
From Jean and Garth Freymiller:
So sorry for your loss! Eldon was a great man,a special Bishop and a fantastic music educator! He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Picola and family!!!!
From Maurvene Skeem Corbett:
My Uncle Elden was always so kind and considerate of others. I loved to hear him sing. I'm sure that he and my mother, Leora Wood Skeem, would make beautiful music together. I can hear them now. I loved him dearly.
From Carol Harrison Smith:
So sorry to hear have Bishop Wood’s passing. What a remarkable man! And a remarkable family. Your influence continues on in mine and my family’s life! Love and prayers to you all.
From Dave Gibbons:
With love and sympathy at the passing of a spiritual giant. Our prayers are with you. David & Marilyn Gibbons
From Georgia Law :
I did not know him well, but I know how much my father, David Law, and my mother loved him and Piccola. Eldon and my dad were great friends from their youth and for many decades. I am sure they are having a great reunion now. What a wonderful legacy Eldon left.
From Gavin Richardo Ishmael:
My sincere condolences to Sister Wood and family. This man and his dear wife Sister Picola have been such an inspiration in my life. I learned a lot about loving others from him. He made me see a gentler side of myself that I did not think was there. We shared the same blood type. He stood ready to donate on my behalf when I had to get my tonsils out on my mission. He knew how to love the one who sinned and had the art of separating sin from that person; ministered to them as a child of God, and let them know that they were nothing less than that.
From Lucy Smith Crane:
My lifelong love of “The Messiah” started in Bel Cantos. So grateful he introduced me to it. Also his kind, loving spirit was influential to me when I decided to join the LDS Church. He left an amazing legacy.
From Kelly Peterson (Cottom):
Such beautiful memories of Bel Cantos and “The Messiah”. I will always remember the things he taught about music. Grateful to have been taught about music by a master in his field! He was always kind. I will miss him, my life was definitely enriched by knowing him.
From Cindy Hansen:
So sorry for your family's loss! He was a great music educator and friend.
From Troy and Nancy Winmill:
So very sorry for you loss. He was so kind and would walk my daughter Gracy from Dworshak to piano lessons. She still talks about it. He had such a beautiful testimony.
From Leon, Dori Clegg:
A great man and a great family. Have known Elden for 50 years. Since my days if high school. Such a kind and loving man. May we always cherish the memories. Heavenly Fathers blessing be with each of you to comfort and guide in the coming days.
From Michelle Andersen:
I’m so sorry to see this I so enjoy being your neighbor Picola if you need anything just whistle May God bless you
From Brian and Debra Barlow:
We are so sorry for your families loss. We had a great love for Elden. There are so many memories that we remember with great fondness. What a great man! We have missed him and you Picolla since you went live in Utah. It was always such a delight to us to be with you. A good life lived and shared with others.
From Cindy Moreno:
I will miss him. He was a wonderful man. My prayers and thoughts to Picola and the rest of the family. He is in God's care now.
From Scott and Linda Smith:
So sorry. We feel love for you Picola and your family and hope you can feel peace at this very difficult time. Take care Scott and Linda Smith
From Jeffrey L Fackrell:
What a talented and good man! He will be missed!!!
From Leslie Crafton :
Eldon is one of the kindest men I have ever known. He will be missed. We are sending our love and prayers.
From Guy and Lyn Ann Arnell :
We are so sad to hear of Bishop Woods passing. He has been such an influence in our family’s lives. We love him and your family. Much love and many prayers sent your way