June 27, 1921 - April 20, 2017
Allan (Age 95) peacefully passed away on April 20 at the Spokane Veterans Home. He was born in North Bend, OR June 27, 1921 to Esther and George Wood. He later moved to Tacoma, WA where he was raised, and graduated from Stadium HS in 1939. - As a 21-year-old paratrooper assigned to the 82nd Airborne, Woods first combat jump was into Nijmegen, Holland. 68 years later, on Veterans Day 2010 in Spokane, Allan would share a hospital room with Father Arnold Schoffelmeer who had been a seminary student in Nijmegen. Fr. Schoffelmeer saw the parachutes of the 82nd Airborne open and come down to save his city. Allan Wood was attached to one of those parachutes! Fr. Schoffellmeer recalled the joy of liberation and street celebrations. Together these 2 men uncovered a shared experience from decades ago that molded their lives. Wood received a Purple Heart from injuries in the Battle of the Bulge. Sixty-five years later he would be awarded the Bronze Star for valor in combat. - Allan graduated from Western Washington State College and received his Masters Degree in psychology and sociology from PLU in Tacoma. He was the Chief Parole Officer for Snohomish County, WA and, became the Corrections Coordinator for the State of Washington. In retirement, Wood had a counselling practice and helped to change the lives of offenders. For 17 years, he counselled mentally ill veterans at the American Lake Veterans Hospital in Tacoma. - Allan had a kind and gentle spirit and a great sense of humor. He loved life and was friendly with everyone he knew. He had two life mottos: love your neighbor as yourself and do unto others as you would have them do unto you. His Christian spirit was evident in everything he accomplished. Allan was an avid golfer, loved to fly his airplane, and ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Wood was active in the Inland NW Honor Flight, VFW Post 51, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge Association and the C-47 Club. He was a 50-year member of Kiwanis International and served as the Governor for the Pacific NW District of Kiwanis. - Allan is survived by his wife Flo, daughters Judy (Jerry) Rach, Susan (Orville) Wood, and Rita (Don) Mercer, 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at the Spokane Veterans Home for their excellent care and compassion for Allan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Inland NW Honor Flight (608 W 2nd Ave, Ste 309, 99201). - A memorial service will be held in July at the Spokane Veterans Home.
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