Obituary of Franklin Ernest Wood

Franklin Ernest Wood was born on July 3, 1949 in St. Albans, New York. The family moved to Washington State, southern Oregon, Phoenix and Las Vegas before settling down in Hillsboro when Franklin was in seventh grade. Even in the boisterous Wood household, Franklin always stood out for his wickedly funny sense of humor and his gifted artistic abilities. Franklin thrived in Hillsboro. He became a star athlete, topped off by being a starting guard on the State Championship football team in his senior year. During these years, Franklin began his gift of developing deep and loyal friendships that lasted throughout his lifetime. Franklin met Doris Curo when he was 15, and they were inseparable from the start. They married on September 13, 1969. They shared creative spirits, the development of a successful business, and most of all, the love of their three children, Dirk, Tobie, and Brennan. It was heartbreaking when Doris died on August 16, 1987. On July 2, 1989 the next chapter in Franklin's life began when he married Joan Zurcher. When Franklin fell in love with Joan, he was thrilled to welcome his new daughter, Beth, into his life. During the last year of his life, Franklin was extremely grateful for all the support of his family and friends, especially to Joan, who gave him endless hours of care. Franklin had a special magic with his own children, his nieces and nephews, and kids from the neighborhood. These now-grown children tell stories of learning to make art around the kitchen table, being the action heroes of epic adventures Franklin would invent on the spot, and truly believing they were world-class athletes when they were losing at grammar school sports. Franklin Wood was a ferociously loyal friend, a caring and compassionate brother, and a father and husband whose love will remain long after his physical presence is gone. If you wish to make a memorial contribution in Franklin's honor, the family suggests The Dougy Center, PO Box 86852, Portland, Oregon 97286. www.dougy.org Memorial service will be held at 4 PM on Sunday, August 21, 2011, at Unity Church of Portland, 4525 SE Stark Street, Portland, Oregon, 97215. Arrangements by Crown Memorial Center - Milwaukie