Roderick Arkalon Wood

Roderick Arkalon Wood

September 2, 1934

Roderick Arkalon Wood, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather departed this earth on March 26, 2024, at the age of 89.  Rod was born in Alma, Colorado in 1934.  He was the third of five children of Ralph and Mildred (Curtis) Wood.  He graduated from Canon City High School in 1953.   Rod was a Veteran, having served as a Mess Cook in the US Army where he gained a love of cooking that continued throughout his life.  He received his BA and MA degrees from Adams State University and his PhD from Kansas State University.  He was an educator for many years retiring from Gunnison High School in 1994.  He owned and operated the Dairy Queens in Canon City and Cortez in the 70’s.  He dedicated his life to raising his three children and after 32 years of single life he married Kathleen Joyce Graham in 2007.  Rod was an exceptional athlete who loved baseball.  As an avid fisherman, he caught his trophy lake trout ice fishing on Taylor Lake.  Rod was a life member of the ELKS lodge No. 610.  He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, his daughters, Robin Ginley, Christy Grace; his son, Shannon Wood; his daughter-in-law, Lisa Wood; grandson, Mason Wood; granddaughters, Rachel Patton, Lindsay Schaefer, and Sadie Johnson; great grandsons, Silas and Charles Patton, Cedric Johnson; brother Tom Shelnutt; and best friends, Bill and Mary Betts.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Roxie, Ralph, Ronald, and Roger.  At his request, there will be no viewing or service.  Rod was loved very much by his family and will be missed dearly.

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