Comments

Dear Betsy,
Tom was such a special friend for me, it is still difficult to realize, he has left us. During a most difficult time for me at PG&E, his support and
encouragement for me was priceless, just like his sense of humor was. I was sad when he left PG&E for Intel, but accepted he had gone to a
better place. Now my hope is that he is again, in a better place, and may we always feel the warmth of his love and personality. Tom, like his
family will always be in my thoughts and wishes.
~ George Spatz, Sacramento, California | January 06, 2008

I will remember Tom's sense of humor...always a quick wit as evidenced by his hysterical Christmas letters each year. My thoughts and prayers
are with Betsy, Tom Jr. and Emily.
~ Laura Shooter, Petaluma, California December 31, 2007

There is not enough space or time to express the how much we miss Tom-the feelings are just too big. Tom the friend, Tom the coworker, Uncle
Tom (for Cris & Cam), Tom the mentor & coach, Tom the comedian.
We have some of the best memories in our lives from spending time with the Wood family. From visits to wherever they have lived (or we have
lived), to camping trips, to vacations, to discussing all matter of subjects great & small.
You would be hard pressed to find anyone funnier, more insightful, and honest than Tom. Tom knew how to get things done, and get them done
right.
We still feel his presence, are sad that he is not here with us, and feel selfishly robbed. On the flip side, we feel blessed that we knew him, and
are so happy that we knew him as well as we did, and that he was a part of our lives and us part of his.
~ Jeff & Dana Swain, Granite Bay, California | Contact Me August 08, 2007

I worked with Tom for a short while at Intel. He made me laugh when I needed it most. I will miss him.
~ Mike Robb, Chandler, Arizona August 07, 2007

I met Tom several years ago when he became the LAN administrator for PG&E's ENCON San Joaquin Region. I was Project Manager of the
ENCON Data Network Project, and Tom and I spent many windshield hours touring the various out-of-the-way field office locations we had to
network.
On one such occasion, Tom described how he was overseeing the building his family's new home in Fresno. Tom lifted his shirt to show me a big
pink chevron on his chest. He described how he was trying to nudge his tractor into its cover without getting on it when the tractor got away,
caught him and ran over his chest. He said the doctor said that it should have killed him.
From that day forward, I called him "Bump Wood", with "Bump" being short for "Speed Bump".
Tom cheated death that day to the relief of us all, yet it is a tragedy that he was taken so young. He will certainly be missed.
~ Ed Crowley, El Cerrito, California

Betsy and Family-
I spoke these words last week at a memorial service for my father, and thought of you and Tom deeply during my Eulogy:
Time is too slow for those who wait,
too swift for those who fear,
too long for those who grieve,
too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love,
time is eternity. ~Henry Van Dyke
Tom' memory will live on in eternity.
I recall Tom speaking of his desire to start mountain climbing - which is such a woodism - he knew no boundaries, and was not constrained by
gravity. Go forth with Tom' memory and teachings, question everything, and challange yourselves to be the best that you can become.
~ john hawkins, billerica, Massachusetts | June 19, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband and father. I remember Tom as a kind and helpful soul who I met during the
2005 Hurricane Relief effort. He was wearing a fishing vest so I asked him if he was going on a camping trip. He said he wasn't - he just wanted
to be prepared to work in the field again. He had volunteered the previous week, was back for more and wanted to be ready to go wherever he
was needed.
~ Venita Kent-Basham, Folsom, California June 18, 2007

Thanks to the great Troop 121 families, we have stayed in touch. We were very upset to hear the bad news. The following days will be tough.
Just two quick years ago I lost my mom. In the tough times ahead just know that we are here for you. Feel free to call, write, or even come up
for a visit. There are no words that will make you feel better, however, the strength, support, and love of friends will ease the loss. May God
bless you all now and forever.
Mr. & Mrs. Ripp, Brad and Bryan
~ Vancouver Rippentrops, Vancouver, Washington | June 17, 2007

Dear Betsy & Family: Tom made a lasting impression on me during the time I worked with him at Intel. He had a unique gift for instantly
making people feel welcome and special. He was a wonderful friend. I will always remember his smile, his laugh and how much fun he was to be
around.
I'm keeping you very close in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that you and everyone who knew Tom will be comforted by loving, lasting
memories of him.
Sending loving thoughts and prayers your way...
~ Cathy Flores, Folsom, California June 14, 2007

Betsy,
My deepest heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I knew Tom through your Love for him. I pray that God give you and your family all
the courage and strength needed to help you through the loss of Tom.
May God Bless and Keep you.
~ Shira Womack, San Jose, California

Like the others, I was surprised to hear the news of Tom's passing. Sincere, heart-filled wishes to Tom's wife and children.
~ Alan Isham, Folsom, California | June 14, 2007

Betsy and Family -
I can not begin to tell you how sad I am about Tom. He was the best manager I ever had and not only that, but a great friend.
He always listened and gave me advice. I loved his honesty, sense of humor and the fact that I knew he really cared. He taught me a lot. I
always called him a fellow "9-9er" as we both were born on Sept 9. I will truly miss him.
My deepest sympathy to you, Tommy, Emily and Tom's parents. Although he is gone, the world is a better place because he was in it.
~ Judy Fuller, Cameron Park, California | June 13, 2007

Dearest Betsy (and kids):
Although at times like this there is so little words we can say - I just know that some day there'll be an answer to the sorrow and pain now. Some
day you'll find your comfort and I'm sure your kids will be your courage to go on. Just know that Tom will always be with you - when you are out
sitting in a garden and a beautiful robin sits right next to you - Tom is saying hello, he misses you and loves you very much - I know that too
Betsy. I'll talk with you soon.
Love
Sandra
~ Sandra Shoemaker (Fitzgerald), Pollock Pines, California | June 13, 2007

We will all miss Tom's fatherly presents at the lifts. He was a joy to work with and shared his passion with everyone he came into contact with.
We will all cherish those memories here at P.C.M.R and the Lift Operations Department.
~ Jeff Marzka, Park City, Utah | June 13, 2007

Betsy & Kids,
May God bless you in your moments of need. Tom was a great man. He inspired, taught and shared with me on our journeys to becoming
healthier, he encouraged me to laugh more, and to challenge everything. I will miss him very much. God has blessed us all by giving us the
opportunity of knowing him.
Gods Blessings & Love,
~ Theresa Lopez, Folsom, California

Dear Betsy, blood may be thicker than water but it sure isn't thicker than love. We are happy to call you our "California Daughter" and want
you to know that we hurt for you now and pray for you, Tommy and Emily as you go through this hard time.
~ Ed and Mary Alice Wood, Oxford, Mississippi | June 12, 2007

Betsy, Emily & Thomas Jr;
I worked with Tom off and on for the past year. I really appreciated his style, approach to things must most importantly his sense of humor. He
will be missed, but know for sure, not forgot. Sincerely, Greg Spear
~ Greg Spear, Tempe, Arizona | June 12, 2007

Betsy, Tommy and Emily
My deepest sympathies go out to you! I am truely saddened that Tom had to leave us! I don't think there is a sole out there who hasn't been
touched by him!
Tom was a great manager, mentor and friend! I will deeply miss his advise, his sarcasm, his whitty and silly raps, his high fives, his hugs, but
most of all him!
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time in your lives! But please take some comfort in knowing that he loved you so very
much and that he is always with you!
Love always,
~ Shelly DeOliveira, Cameron Park, California June 12, 2007
Betsy, Tommy & Emily,

Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. Tom was a very dynamic and inspiring man and he will be sadly missed. We have many fond
memories of him and your family, and wish you the best. You will be in our prayers!
~ Julie Welch, Granite BAy, California | June 12, 2007

Betsy, Tommy & Emily,
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Tom's impact and legacy is something that I know you'll be proud of forever.
I'm sure you remember that I was his "Buddy" when he first started at Intel. I'll never forget him telling me that going to work at Intel was like
"re-entry without a heat sheild." He had a way of putting things in a light that was funny and impactful and oh so true.
He burned bright, he is already greatly missed.
Lisa, Ali and family
~ Lisa Watts, Folsom, California

Direct and to the point. The Tom and I knew and appreciated. As many have said, his influence on individuals has been great and will continue.
May God continue to bless us as he did with Tom as a part of our lives.
~ Cleon Wellington, EL DORADO HILLS, California June 12, 2007

Betsy, Tommy and Emily,
My heart goes out to you at this sad time. I only hope that you take those memories of Tom/your dad and keep them alive in your hearts. He
was a wonderful person and you could always count on him to make you smile. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask.
~ Annette Oreno, Folsom, California | June 12, 2007

Betsy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. As many have offered, please add my name to the list of those who are willing to help you in any way we
can.
~ Craig Mulder, Graeagle, California June 11, 2007

Betsy, Emily, and Tom Jr.,
Wendy and I were shocked and saddened when we heard the news of Tom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom was so proud of his children, Emily and Tom Jr. Every time I spoke to him he had something good to say about your achievements and
activities. He thought you were both had become fine young adults.
I'll miss Tom's sage advice and ready humor. Whether serious, flippant, or joking, talking with Tom was always an experience.
Tom was a great friend, with a great family. We won't forget him.
~ Tom Beck, Antelope, California June 11, 2007

Dearest Stu, Betty, Betsy, Tommy, and Emily,
Our families send you our heartfelt sympathy at this most difficult time. We are praying for all of you and know that God will give you the
strength you will need to endure your loss. We will, along with you, savor our memories of time spent with Tom over the years. May God Bless
your family.
Love, Harriet Walker, Craig Walker and Family, Jeri (Walker) Watts and Family, Judy (Walker) and Stan Del Dotto and Family
~ Judy (Walker) Del Dotto, Roseville

Betsy ... My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Tom and I worked together in the OSC back in '99
while I was doing a sabbatical coverage. He was one of the Harley riders that would get together with a few other enthusists and go for a ride to
lunch somewhere interesting. Tom had a great sense of humor and could size up our internal political struggles with a few well versed, very
funny comments. He was delightful to work with and to know ... I will miss him.
I know he's watching down on you and the family ... Tom
~ Tom Safford, Incline Village, Nevada | June 11, 2007