Obituary: Curtis “Curt” Allan Wood

Curtis “Curt” Allan Wood passed away October 25th, 2021, after a long battle with Parkinson’s and Prostate Cancer.

Curt was born Sept 12, 1946 to Everett and Elaine Wood. As a 5th generation Southern Humboldt County native, he was a great local historian, often telling stories about ranching, logging, and of course, the 1955 and 1964 floods. He grew up in Weott, CA, where his parents owned and operated the J.E. Johnson Store for many years. Curt grew up working in the store, tending to the family garden, playing sports, hunting, and fishing. He graduated from South Fork High School in 1964 with a decorated athletic career. He was very proud of the fact that he earned All County honors in 3 sports: football, basketball and baseball. In addition he won numerous high school track and field events in 1964 as one of the fastest sprinters in the county in the 100 yard and 220 yard dash. He was heavily recruited by the Fresno State Baseball Program (At that time Fresno State was a premiere Division 1 Baseball Powerhouse). He then spent a year and a half playing baseball at Fresno State, and finished his baseball career at Humboldt State University while attaining a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education.

During college he met his 1st wife Kathy Heinze and settled in Eureka, CA. He always loved sports and played golf, men’s league basketball, and fast pitch softball for Rockin ‘R. Even though he graduated with a teaching credential, he found a passion in a career in lumber sales. After a few years with Twin Harbors in Arcata, CA, he moved to Sound Stud in Cottonwood, CA. He then accepted an offer to sell lumber at Eel River Sawmills in Fortuna for the next 20+ years. He then finished his career working remotely for Agwood Mill & Lumber. Throughout his lumber career he gained many special relationships that led to memorable golf and fishing trips. Curt was an avid fisherman and was extremely skilled in hooking and landing the prized steelhead. Curt knew all the fishing holes on the Eel and the Mattole River.

He and Kathy made Fortuna their home and raised their 2 boys, Hec and Jeff. Curt was an active father, coaching the boys’ basketball and baseball teams while playing golf in between. Golf became his most cherished hobby. He and the boys would play regularly after work and on weekends. These golf outings provided the foundation for his two sons’ future golf achievements. Nothing made their dad prouder than watching the 2 boys competing and playing tournament golf.

In his retirement years he was a member of both Redwood Empire and Baywood Golf Clubs. As many of his friends and family know, golf was 6 days a week. Monday’s were the day to mow the lawn, as both courses are closed that day.

Curt met his second wife, Cheryl Hurst in the late 90’s. They spent the next 24 years together in a loving and devoted relationship. Their favorite activities were playing golf together regularly, as well as entertaining, and traveling with lots of old and new friends. When Curt’s health started to decline a few years ago, Cheryl took amazing care of Curt; she was so patient, comforting and loving – she was a true blessing and was there for Curt the entire time.

Throughout his life, Curt gave his time and energy to many causes. He helped spearhead the group that brought in “major league” quality clay for the infield and added lights at the Conroy Little League field in Fortuna. He helped create an amazing fundraiser golf tournament for the Fortuna High Golf Team. He also held roles as President of the Redwood Empire Golf & Country Club and as a board member for Van Duzen Land, and in the mid 90’s he was a big part of the drive behind the expansion of Redwood Empire into an 18 hole golf course. No matter what the cause Curt was always there to help.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Hurst, his oldest son Hec Wood (Carol) and grandson Eli of Fortuna and his youngest son Jeff Wood (Veronica) and grandchildren Brandon and Naomi of Shingle Springs, CA, his brother Dennis Wood (Susan) of West Sacramento and his sister Linda Brodersen (Jim) of Eagle Point, OR, Cheryl’s children, Cory Price and Saunda Kitchen. He is also survived by his niece Lisa Wood Page of West Sacramento, CA and nephew Chad Wood of Rancho Murieta, CA, his niece Sara Brodersen Cook of Medford OR. and nephew Brent Brodersen of Phoenix, OR. In addition there are many other surviving cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends who meant a lot to him.

Graveside services will be held at Fortuna Sunrise Cemetery at 12:00 PM Tuesday, November 23rd followed by a celebration of life at Redwood Empire Golf and Country Club at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Curt’s love for youth sports and a lifelong and vocal South Fork Cub fan we ask that donations be made in his name to South Fork High Baseball Booster Club PO Box 1713 Redway, CA 95560 or to Fortuna High Boys and Girls Golf program 379 12th St, Fortuna CA.

Source: Times-Standard