Obituary of Malcolm E. Wood

MORRILL Malcolm E. Wood died peacefully in his sleep at Harbor Hill Nursing Home in Belfast, Maine on May 13, 2012. He was born on February 8, 1925 in Vinalhaven, Maine to Mildred (Kittredge) and Ervin Wood, the fourth in a family of five. His childhood was spent in Belfast, Maine on the small, working farm his parents owned. Like many Waldo County families during the Great Depression, Malcolm grew up in poverty. He worked hard from the time he was a small boy, and he did not have the opportunity to have an education beyond grade school. Despite his humble origins, Malcolm (known as Mac to his friends) was a kind, caring and sensitive man who loved nature and animals, and who cherished his family. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. People still talk about what a crack shot he was, and neighbors always tried to find the secret fishing holes from which he would bring home baskets of trout. Malcolm typically worked six days a week, but he was never too tired to take his family to Sanborn Pond in the summer for Sunday picnics. He also loved playing cards and had a number of colorful stories about poker games that he had enjoyed with friends during the long Maine winters. Malcolm worked as a longshoreman on the docks in Searsport, Maine during World War II and later as a woodsman. He owned dozens of different wood lots and provided firewood for many local families. Malcolm married Marian Roberts, his wife of 67 years, on May 19, 1945. In addition to his wife, he is survived by their three sons: Roderick (and his wife, Jung Ja, known as J.J., of Newburgh, Indiana, Craig of Knox, Maine, and Ervin (and his wife, Ruth) of Eugene, Oregon. He is also survived by his brother Charles who resides at Bayview Manor in Searsport, Maine, as well as five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, & many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Vertna, and Cecil and by his sister, Ethel. Malcolm’s family is deeply grateful to the staff at Bayview Manor who provided loving care to both Malcolm and Marian during the eight months they resided there. They extend special gratitude to their devoted nephew, James Wood and his wife, Betty, for the support and loving care they solidly provided during the past years. There will be a graveside service for family and friends on May 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Morrill Village Cemetery. His ashes, and those of his sister Ethel, who died on February 7th, will be interred at that time. Gifts in Malcolm’s memory may be sent to the Morrill Baptist Church.