Friday, 28 January. 2005. 
Just received word from Barbara that Mr. Wood passed away this past Wednesday, 26 January at the age of 89. Funeral services will be at 10 AM on Monday, 31 January at Our Lady of Mercy Church. His wake will be Sunday, 30 January from 4-7 PM also at our Lady of Mercy. 

Following are the words of Jane Wood Wilson, presented in eulogy at her father's funeral Mass at the Our Lady of Mercy Church in Plainville. We are grateful to Jane for her generosity in sharing these loving words on her father.
 

Most of you knew our father, Woody as either a teacher, coach, principal, colleague, neighbor or friend.  So you probably know how much he loved to use sports analogies for nearly everything.  When referring to his lifespan, he always said he hoped to go a full nine innings.  A few days ago he said...”I think I am going to have to pull myself from the game.”  Next month he would have been ninety ...he finished just short of the ninth inning.

We were blessed that our dad was alert right up to the end... so that we could talk with him openly, express our feelings and the love our family has for each other.  During these talks he told us what his wishes were for this day and that we should not be sad for him - that he had lived a wonderful and full life with no regrets... and that we should celebrate his life...  The only thing is, he said,... “I’d love to be there with all of you to enjoy it !”  In fact, he said with a smile, “I’d like to organize the whole darn thing !”

If Dad could be here, we know that he would be so happy to see all of you and would thank you for coming.   He often said wealth was measured by friendships and because of the friendships represented here today, he considered himself a very wealthy man.

Even though Vermont was the place of his youth, Plainville was his true home.  He would tell you that it was in Plainville that he found the two best things in his life  ...a job that he loved... and Kathryn, the love of his life.  He felt Plainville had “ a lot of heart” ...and was a community of which he was proud to be a part.

Those of you who were his students and had him as your principal knew his nickname: The Hawk.  He was always one step ahead, and everyone knew that if you stepped out of line, chances are you’d hear that Mr. Wood wanted to see you in his office, later.  When a certain group of seniors decided to skip school and head to the beach, Dad called ahead and notified the state police, who informed the kids when they arrived that Mr. Wood had called and would like to see them - back at school. 

He was strict, but fair; he had a wonderful sense of humor and always gave students second chances.  One time the boys in shop class decided that a donut run for coffee and donuts for the whole class was a great idea; they even had the teacher in on the deal with the promise of a corn muffin.  When they returned they ran into Woody, who greeted them with a friendly hello and nothing more.   The boys sweated it out, anticipating their discipline from Dad. He made them wait for the entire day before he called them down at 1:30 and told them they would be suspended.  He let a long pause go by before he added, “For the remainder of the day.” 

The truth is, he called you his rascals and always thought what you did was harmless and that you were all good kids.  He remembered every detail of your antics- details you have probably forgotten –  but if he were here today, he would tell you how impressed he was with all of your accomplishments and what you have become.  You were part of his “brag book” and he especially loved that you came back to reminisce with him about your Plainville High School days. 

My father lived by and taught the “Golden Rule” ...to always love and respect others. Everything he did as a teacher, a principal, a citizen, a leader and a father, bore witness to his kindness and integrity, and there is no doubt he is on his way to a heavenly reward.  If he could be here today, he would tell you to live a good and honest life, and to follow the Golden Rule he cherished, because he wants to see you again... as he would say... “in my office, later.” 

For a tribute to Mr. Wood by the Plainville Sports Hall of Fame, visit: http://www.4yourbiz.com/plainvillesports/gallery_ivan.htm

News Clippings: 

Funeral Services For Wood Monday
January 28, 2005 
Hartford Courant Staff Report
Funeral services for former Plainville High School principal Ivan Wood will be at 10 a.m. on Monday at Our Lady of Mercy Church on Canal Street in Plainville.  Wood, 89, died Wednesday. Calling hours will be Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy. (Read the rest of the article. *)

 
Ivan Wood Dies; Principal, Coach
Helped Organize Basketball Program
January 27, 2005 
By JENNA CHO, And MARYELLEN FILLO Courant Staff Writers 
PLAINVILLE -- Ivan Wood, a former coach, teacher and principal at Plainville High School, who is credited with helping set up a statewide girls' interscholastic basketball program, died Wednesday. He was 89. (Read the rest of the article. *)

Plainville mourns former principal, coach
By JC REINDL, Special to The Bristol Press
01/27/2005
PLAINVILLE -- Ivan Wood, a man who touched the lives of countless residents of all ages during his long career as an educator, coach and public servant, died Wednesday afternoon. Wood, 89, is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and two daughters, Jane and Ann. (Read the rest of the article. * )

On the passing of Ivan Wood
01/29/2005
When Ivan Wood arrived in Plainville in 1937 his role was that of teacher and coach. Little did the community realize then that the 22-year-old graduate of Springfield College in Massachusetts would eventually become a local institution and a man greatly respected by generations of students, educators and coaches throughout Connecticut. (Read the rest of the article. *)

Ivan Lewis "Woody" Wood
Published in the Hartford Courant from 1/27/2005 - 1/28/2005.
Ivan Lewis "Woody" Wood, 89, of Plainville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, (January 26, 2005). He was born in Washington, VT, son of the late Walter I. and Annie F. (MacDonald) Wood. His athletic career began at Randolph High School in Vermont, where he was captain of the basketball and baseball teams. After graduating in 1933, he went on to attend Springfield College, where he lettered in varsity baseball, basketball and football. (Read the rest of the article. *)

*You may download or print any of the linked documents in this article by RIGHT clicking on the link and selecting SAVE TARGET or PRINT TARGET.

Thoughts and Memories of Mr. Wood 
from the Great Class of 1958:

Without knowing it, we took from Mr. Wood some Definitions to use in life: those of an honorable person, of a good citizen, of a good athlete, of a person who extends a helping hand, of a person who strives to be better. He quietly delivered his message not always by words but by deeds. 

Yes, our class has lost a mentor and in losing him, it feels like we have lost a part of ourselves. He was a foundation stone upon which so many of us built our character and our life. So he became part of our identity. It was on his shoulders along with those of our loving mothers and fathers and their Greatest Generation, that many of us made our journey to more mature human beings. 

We shall remember always the constant theme of his life to the end:  service to God, service to Country, service to Community and Family.  Farewell, dear Mr. Wood. Till we meet again. We take up your Torch now in this Great Relay, that we, as you, will strive to pass on to our next generation. 

(Those of you who may wish to share your thoughts and memories of Mr. Wood, please forward them to me and I will post them. On Sunday, 6 February, a copy of this document (including these remarks) was compiled, printed and sent to Mr. Wood's family on behalf of our class.  JRT)

"Plainville High forever"--- remember our school song?  Those words offer tribute to Ivan Wood, for his leadership, dedication and interest in all his students who attended our high school!   Mr. Wood set the tone for all of us to follow, whether it be during Jr. High School years or for the guys, as our P.E. teacher.  As principal, his stoic and demanding demeanor often disguised his sincere interest in both students and faculty.  Although, we may have been lucky enough to recognize his skills 47 years ago, it is far more likely that we can now reflect more clearly on the impact he has had on each of our lives and so many others that followed in our footsteps.  I hope there will be a way that the Town of Plainville and all the people who knew and respected his contributions will find a fitting way to remember Mr. Wood in perpetuity (e.g.. renaming high school). Al Anderson Cardiff by the Sea.

Woody was a great guy. He always kidded me about being in a band and never missed a chance to ask my father "When is Joe going to get his hair cut"?.  Over the years he always showed respect to my parents and never failed to ask how I was doing. The people that knew him will miss him.  Joe Dell'Aquila

Although I could recount several High School episodes involving visits with Woody, I prefer to remember the experiences after those tumultuous years. While employed by the Town of Plainville as the Town Accountant, I frequently worked with Woody as the staff liaison on various school construction projects.  The High School additions in the early 1970's were the major projects.  Woody made me feel like the professional accountant rather than the one-time wandering, high school no-account.  It was a real pleasure to be associated with Woody and he just made you feel special.  I regret not having taken the time to visit with him on my occasional trips back home.  It is also unfortunate that we could not visit with him at the upcoming PHS celebration; however, Woody left a lasting mark and will be forever fondly remembered.  Bob Bocwinski

I am sure my brother, Ben Getchell, would have called him Woody, but to me he was always Mr. Wood. Probably, my most vivid memory of Mr. Wood would be when he was representing the Plainville Historical Society and came to consult with my brother and me regarding moving my grandfather Getchell's electric train to the historical society's building. We talked about PHS and many other memories of the days gone by. My family was always very fond of him and I remember my dad speaking highly of him. He and Don, my husband, immediately hit it off and started talking about WWII and other interests they had in common. He was the prime example of "a class act". Educator, mentor and loyal friend to many.  There aren't many like him and he will be sorely missed. Anona "Noni" Getchell Hogwood  Class of '58

The world has lost a dedicated teacher, coach and high school principal. To me, he stood for integrity, a good clean game, hard work. We owe him much.  Ralph Theriault

 I will remember Mr. Ivan Wood as a gentle man with a warm smile and a happy 'Hello' whenever you saw him. He was a great pillar to the town of Plainville. Mr. Wood was also a very dear friend of my dad, Kragg Kysor. He will be missed by all who's lives he touched. Lovingly, Linda Kysor Fore

Ivan Wood was my coach and teacher and my second father.  He was the one I would look to in times of stress.  He was also the one who looked for me in the times of student pranks.  He gave every one of us respect and rarely raised his voice in anger.  If would be nice to have 100 Woody's in this world, but God felt that we deserved only one.  This man was so ahead of his time in athletic thinking and education methods it is a surprise that many people don't realize it. 
I thank his family, Kay, Anne and Jane, for giving us a piece of his life when they could have kept him all to themselves.  What an unselfish family you are.  The funny thing is, in remembering the Hawk, I have no bad memories only good ones. 
He gave the best of himself and expected no less from his students, friends, and family. Thank you Woody and may the Hawk soar in the heavens as he did on earth. Ron Pavano

I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Wood's passing.  I did have the opportunity to speak with him and visit with him on occasion, as ... I am still involved with the Connecticut Athletic Directors Association and the CIAC that Mr. Wood was very involved with. Mr. Wood was and still is one of my most prominent role models for me. He was one of the reasons that I became a teacher, coach and athletic administrator.  I remember the day that he took me out of school one day to visit Springfield College and to show me around and introduce me to several people at Springfield.  I am sure that he was disappointed that I didn't go to Springfield. 
Mr. Wood was an inspiration to me and one of the main reasons that I became involved in athletics and wanting to be a coach.  He was a man of discipline and integrity and always had his students' best interest at heart.  I also want to thank his wife and family for giving us the opportunity to know Mr. Ivan Wood. Sincerely,  Paul M. Maskery

I was saddened to learn of Mr. Wood's death.  I remember him well, and liked him.  I remember how he made the boys get haircuts if their hair touched their collars.  As for the girls, getting caught smoking in the ladies room was a reason to be sent to see him.  Oh to have those problems in today's schools.  We don't realize how good it was then. Regards, Ann (Grimaldi) Cohen

My first recollection of Ivan Wood was when I was eight years old. It was at Norton Park at what we called the Mud Hole, where he and Mr. Murphy taught all of us young boys & girls how to swim. I reminded him of that last summer when I saw him at the park after the Plainville Choral Society had given a concert. We had a great laugh about those years. He was a great man, it was an honor and a privilege to have known him.  Sincerely,  Ed Wishart

Mr. Wood, to me because he always deserved my deepest respect and was one of the great influences on my life and where I am today. He always "preached" to me that I could do and be better. When my father passed away in 1999 Mr. Wood was there to support our family. I was very touched by that and our talking about the years past. He was always there for everyone he came to know. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to the Wood family. Bob Zdunczyk

I observed Mr. Wood for the three years I attended Plainville High. I  am now amazed how consistent, deliberate and fair he was when making decisions. His cool demeanor and dignified manner became a guide post for the class. He was the pillar of strength that was needed at that point in history. Many of us in the class of '58 would soon find out that his example not only was our guide but in many cases saved our lives while serving our country. It is not easy today to find that someone who we can look back on and simple say "thank you for your strong personality and example of right". "You were the reason I chose my path" and do not regret a single moment" THANK YOU.  One side note. On an  August (very hot) day of football practice on the field behind the old high school. I was sitting on the curb after practice, sweating, smelly and very miserable. Mr. Wood happened by and said without stopping, "looking for pity, you won't find it here". I think that was the last time I ever stopped without first looking for him. :)  This is not a complaint, rather a thank you for setting the tone for my life. Mr. Wood will be missed but never forgotten by this Plainville alum. Jim Grant, Class of 1958.

I remember Mr. Wood catching me on several occasions when I wore shorts in school.  He'd give me a forgiving nod.  He understood, although I was breaking the dress code rules, I really couldn't wear a skirt while crawling around in the display cases.  About five years ago, I met him at the Plainville Historical Society.  I recognized him but couldn't remember his name, so I asked my friend.  She told me and I went over to speak to him.  He not only remembered me and my name, but also remembered my brother Jimmy and the color of his hair (red).  He also remembered me wearing shorts.  It amazed me that he could be so sharp and retain the names of the hundreds of kids who went to Plainville High while I couldn't remember his. Marion (Suess) Ekholm

...Barb is a little under the weather. Nothing serious. She said she has nothing important to add except that she had high regards for Mr. Woods and that she was very sad to hear of his passing. She liked him very much and she is sure that he will be missed very much and to tell his family how very sad she is and that she wishes them all well. Donald Pahl for Barbara (Wysocki) Pahl.

It was sad to hear of Mr. Wood's passing. He was a wonderful asset to our school and to the community for his myriad of contributions and dedication. My sincere sympathy to his family during this sad time. Jane Owens, Class of '58

I have so many memories of Woody.  In high school, he was always visible.  No one ever thought much of seeing him in the halls or stopping in to a classroom.  He was helpful if we needed support or if we had a problem. When I became a member of the staff in Plainville he continued to be of help and support to the teachers and kids alike.  He had more clout then we had and he used it to help if he thought we needed it. You could never prove that he had helped with a problem, but if you complained to him,  somehow things worked out.  He had better access to the Superintendent than I imagined. When I ran into him after he retired, he always took the time to say 'hello' and ask how things were going.  He had a genuine interest in the kids and happenings in the schools. He was one of a kind and Plainville will miss him. Barbara DiNardo Dahlgren

It is a shame that Mr. Woods passed away before the 50th aniversary of PHS.  He was a very strong and fair man and it was always nice to see him in these past years.  He had a part time job at Bailey's a few years back and was the driver of the limo that took us to the cemetery when my dad died.  He also was there for the wake and had a warm greeting for everyone.  It was amazing that he remembered so many of his former students.  He and my mom & dad worked together in the 30's at Trumbull Electric (GE).  The one thing that I have never forgotten was when Miss Grant reported me to Mr. Woods for saying the word "Kotex" in her class.  I didn't say it but she sent me down anyway.  Mr. Woods had a serious look on his face and didn't listen to my denial.  He reminded me that he knew my mother and father and that he still had not written his recommendation letter for me to enter Maryknoll.  He was really disappointed in me and said I better stay out of trouble for the rest of the year.  Days later, he gave me the letter and his best wishes. I really think he took his vocation to heart and wanted us all to do our best.  Peter Antonioli

...My Dad was on the Board of Education for most of the years that my sister and I were in school and he used to talk with Mr. Wood quite often. I remember him as being a very friendly person who would always greet you in the hall when he saw you and always seemed to have the best interests of Plainville High at heart.  Susan Avery Gilmartin