Remembering John Wood

Following is a message sent to the Landmark College community from Landmark College President Dr. Peter Eden on the morning of Saturday, November 26.

Dear LC community of students, faculty, and staff:

We regret to inform you that beloved RD, coach, mentor, and devoted husband and father John Wood has passed away. John died unexpectedly yesterday, Friday, November 25, after experiencing a sudden cardiac event.

There is not enough room in this message to convey all of the things that John brought to LC and our students every day. His commitment to the College and our community, since 1992, along with his wife Ellen, is immeasurable in terms of the positive effects that he had on students, colleagues and our institution. We will have time and the opportunity to talk about all that John Wood is, was, and will forever be remembered for, soon.

While John can never truly be replaced, please know that he would absolutely want and expect each one of us to move forward. I can almost visualize him saying exactly that right now. Of course, his duties as an RD and coach will be covered, so that those benefiting from his devotion and passion for young people in their learning and living environment can continue - as John would want.

Ellen Wood has asked that we convey the deep gratitude she and the Wood children (Caitlyn, Liz, and James) have for LC and the LC community right now, as the support has already begun. Ellen also wants you all to know that we will hold a celebration of John’s life, on campus, soon and the details will be provided. Support from Counseling Services will be available on Monday for any student needing such. Additional support will also be provided to the students (as well as staff members) John worked with most closely in Residential Life and Athletics. More information, including support available for all employees, will be provided in a separate email.

Life at times is sad and unfair, so a gentle reminder to appreciate what we have today and what was given to us by others in the past. Yet, life requires that we move forward even in sadness, so we must do so even as we grieve the loss of John Wood.

Thank you for keeping John in your thoughts, as well as Ellen and the entire Wood family.