March 7, 1983 ~ April 16, 2004
Resided in:
Torrance, CA
Wood, Brian Michael a 21 year resident of Torrance passed away on Friday, April 16, 2004 in Iraq. Born in Culver City, California, March 7, 1983, Brian was 21. He was serving in the Army in Iraq. Brian graduated West High School in 2001 and joined the Army. He is survived by his mother Patricia Wood of Torrance; father Gregory (Michelle) Wood of Redondo Beach; sisters Katie Wood of Lawndale, Carrie Wood of Torrance and Kristy (Les) Del Marter of Porterville, CA; grandparents Bob & JoAnn Nunn of Redondo Beach; along with Katie’s children, Mason and Lexi Gross, and Kristy's son Ryan Del Marter. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 24, at 10:00 A.M. at the Torrance First Baptist Church, 2118 W. Carson Street, in Torrance. Burial with procession will follow with full Military Honors at Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach.
Any South Bay friends of the Wood family, former classmates of Brian or citizens simply wishing to express solidarity and sympathy for the family, are welcome to gather in support on Saturday. The designated area along the route is in front of the Torrance Civic Center on Torrance Blvd, in the general area of the reviewing stands used annually for the Armed Forces Parade. (Please gather on the north side of the street, between Madrona and Maple Avenues). Feel free to bring your love, support and any flags or tokens to display to the family as they pass. The approximate time interval for this location will be between 11:30 AM to perhaps 12:15 PM.
Guestbook
We heard about Brian\’s sacrafice from the news. We wish we had met this hero in person. Your family should be proud as I\’m sure you are. You raised a fine man. We were involved in the Vietnam war and have known some heroes ourselves. May God be with you and keep the memories of Brian alive forever.
I am very sorry for your loss. I am a US Naval Sea Cadet mom and I am here for you if you need a friend. My son would like to attend the funeral as would a few other of my cadets. We are from the Harry E. Hubbard Division of the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps and would be honored to be there to say good-bye to a fellow military person. We will be in our dress blue uniforms and will be also my cadets will be in their Color Guard Gear. If you see us please stop by so we may pay our respects. May GOD be with you and your family. Kelly, Mark, Jon & Ken
I cryed and said a prayer for Brian, the Troops and the Freedom Loving people in Iraq. I want you to know how much I appreciate what Brian was doing on behalf of all of us. He was doing the right thing. I want you to know that I have 2 children at West High and my son Nick graduated in 2000. I can tell you from experience, after losing my Mom when I was 9, that I have always been comforted by the happy memories of her and grateful for the time she was here. Knowing that I\’ll see here again in Heaven has always given me hope. I have always tried to find something good out of something that seems so bad and encourage you to do the same. All my heartfelt love and gratitude to you all. God Bless Us All and Let Freedom Ring. Gary Tasich
You have our deepest sympathy for the loss of your son Brian. He made the decision to serve his country and help those in need. Without hesitance and unselfishly, he decided to go to Iraq and make a difference in a country whose people do not understand the meaning of freedom. Brian made a difference because he cared. Our country fought for it\’s freedom and the protection of all it\’s citizens. For over 200 years men and women like Brian have served and sacrificed to keep that freedom. We are proud of him. God Bless the Wood family.
My deepest sympathies to the entire family of Brian Wood. I did not know him, but I am proud of his convictions. He sounds like a wonderful son, brother and uncle. Thank you, Brian, for serving your country. Even though we never met, I will never forget you.
I was a Medic whit the 199th Infantry in Vietman 68-69 and was very upset and sadened to hear of your sons death. I would like to thank you for raising such a fine young man who would join the Army and put himself in harms way for me and my grand children. Brian has paid the ultimate cost for freedom and I will never let anyone forget the debt we owe to our service men and women for keeping us SAFE and FREE. A fellow Patriot
Brian, You have become every mother and fathers son and we are grieving for you and your family Thank you for giving yourself to our country. You are in Gods country now and will be forever taken care of…God Bless you and your family. Our prayers are with you, Christina Chirco
We are very sorry for your loss. We didnt know him but he was doing a service for this country and for that we will always be grateful. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very sad time. God bless you .
Our family\’s deepest sympathies and gratitude extend today to all of Brian\’s family. We read about Brian\’s service and ultimate sacrifice in the Daily Breeze. This wonderful country of ours enjoys freedoms and opportunities unmatched by any other in the world, but they don\’t come for free. They were gained and are protected by the noble, selfless sacrifice of people like Brian and his whole family. We will keep you all in our prayers. I wish we could somehow ease your pain, but we cannot. Please always remember how much your loss and sacrifice are appreciated by your fellow citizens. May God grant you His peace and courage in the days and years to come.
Dear Wood Family, I am so sorry to hear about Brian. I was out of the country and Tony Lizzaraga notified me by email Saturday morning. I know that he was going to try to get leave if he could to come home for Brian\’s funeral. My son Andrew Reynoso knew Brian, and Carrie as well. Andrew joined the Army in Feb 2001, 1AD 36th Infantry, and has been in Iraq, mostly Baghdad, since last spring. I broke the news to him about Brian on Monday when he called home. He hadn\’t heard, and he was very, very distressed and terribly sad. It is impossible for him to come home right now and it is very difficult to call so he wanted me to tell you that you are all in his heart and on his mind and he wishes he could be with you to tell you in person what a wonderful guy Brian was, how much he was liked and valued. Over and over he said, what a good guy, what a smart guy Brian was, and that he remembered when Brian had graduated boot. Communication is difficult and he didn\’t know that Brian had actually come to Iraq yet, he thought he was still in Germany, and he would have tried to find him to say hello to a buddy from back home, even if only for a few minutes, when he went through Baghdad. He knows you are all hurting and he sends you all his most heartfelt condolences. Andrew\’s rotation was extended this month for another four months so he will be in Baghdad through at least August, but he would like to write to you if you would pass on an address to me. My heart is with you all. I know how proud you must be to have raised and to have grown up with such a kind, brave, and principled man as Brian. In your memories he may always be the little blond son and brother, grandchild and nephew, that you all loved so dearly, but in addition to that, please know that he will always be remembered with love and reverence as the fine man and the hero he is now to all of us. He brought and gave so much good into the world and his life was precious. I am so, so sorry for your loss. Love, Annie Reynoso
The sad news has reached the 3 West High Band alumni here at the U of A in Tucson, and Jason Orabuena, Chris Mintzias and I send our deepest condolences to the Wood family. Brian, thank you for keeping our country free. You were a good friend to me in the early years at West, and there will be memories I will never forget. You will be greatly missed.
All of us who knew and loved Brian are deeply saddened by his passing.The world is a little less brighter place without his smiling face and carefree attitude. I will always remember him as one of the greatest kids I ever worked with. From his days at West Torrance Little League to his summer camp trips with Boy Scout Troop 706. He was always a pleasure to have and be around. I for one will never forget him and the sacrifice he made for the cause of freedom for all, that I know he truly believed in.
Well well Brian, you just had to go die on me without letting me tell you how much i cared and loved you…..as a friend of course….despite what your sisters might say. anyhow…this guestbook was getting too depressing….Brian, its never going to be the same without you. and dont expect me to try and list off all the great times we had together through the years, theres just too dang much. but i guess ill have to go find a new best friend who\’s name is Brian so that when someone says “hey brian!” we both look over and then get laughed at….ah good times. im gonna stop blabbing now…
We share deeply in your grief. We were always so happy when he came to visit–we loved seeing that frank, open expression on his face, and he truly brought joy into our home. He was quiet but strong–you absolutely knew he would grow up to be a man of great character and integrity. To those of you who are reading this who didn\’t know Brian personally, these not just polite words. Brian was the real thing. We are so grateful that he was a friend to our son. His light will shine in our hearts always.
We share with you our deepest sympathies for the loss of your son and your brother. I served in the U.S. Army for eight years, Active Duty and Reserve, as an tank crew member. I am now a Deputy Sheriff working at the Torrance Courthouse. I am very proud of all of our service members and the sacrifices they make to protect our way of life. Although, it pains me to no end every time I learn of a death of a military member. I first learned of Sgt. Brian Wood\’s death in the Daily Breeze and I have followed his story in the past few days. He is a hero in my eyes and I would have been proud to serve with him. Please know your son and brother did not die in vain. He was a good soldier doing what he thought was right and just. He leaves this world to go to wonderful place were all great defenders can rest peacefully. To the family, thank you for the son, brother and soldier you shared with the world. To Sgt. Brian Wood, thanks for a job well done! Dismissed, Soldier!
On behalf of the Deputy Sheriffs and Sheriff\’s office staff, I, Dep. McMahon, would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Brian Wood. Sgt. Wood is the finest example of what is good about this country. We are proud that he played on our team of fine military, police and fire personnel that keep an ever vigillant eye on the safety and security of all citizens. Freedom is not Free! Sgt. Wood\’s sacrifce reminds us all of this. He shall be remembered fondly in all our hearts as we continue our daily mission of making this world a safer place. As you enter that special place in heaven, we all wish you God speed, Sgt. Wood!
My sincere condolences to the Wood family. May Brian rest in peace. I did not know him, but we all thank him for his support of our country.
WE CAN NOT IMAGINE THE PAIN OF LOSING A CHILD. OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your son. Having lost a step-daughter when she was young, I somewhat understand the pain you are feeling. May you be at peace knowing he gave his life for something he believed in and that was keeping all Americans safe. May God walk by your side through this most difficult time. You are in the prayers of my family and myself.
Patty, Katie and the rest of your family, please accept my prayers and condolences for your son, Brian. I wasn\’t aware Brian was even in the service, but my prayers have been daily for all our brave soldiers. Keep the Faith and God\’s promises and will see Brian again. May God Keep and Guide in the days ahead. My Love & Prayers, Jean Clemons Maughan
Patty, Katie, Carrie, (and Greg)…. Words fail me. What does one say to a mother, father and sisters who have lost their son/brother in the cause of making this world a bit safer. No greater sacrifice can an individual do but to give one\’s life for their country. I never got the chance to personally meet Brian as I did with his mom and sisters. I know he comes from a good and loving home. From someone who has dealt with many tragedies in my life, I can only offer my prayers and hopes for the entire family to have strength at this time to get through what is undoubtedly the most difficult time in their lives. Brian is okay. He\’s just angry that he left so quickly. I do know he\’ll be overlooking the activities of the Wood households from here on in. Just know you now have an angel with you at all times. God bless you Brian, and God bless the Wood family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Joe
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wood and family, as a Viet Nam combat veteran, it truly pains me every time i hear of the loss of one of our brave soldiers. The loss of Brian seemed to hit home much more than usual because i live on Ralston Lane in Redondo and though i went to R.U.H.S. i know so many people and thier childern who went to West High. I can not praise you enough Mr. and Mrs. Wood and your family for your strength on the T.V. news, you are all a true inspiration to the country and all Military men, weman and thier families. Brian was not only a brave and heroic American military man, his dedication and conviction is and will always be an inspiration to your family and the country. I don\’t know if i ever passed Brian in a store or mall so i can\’t say i ever met him, however i know beyond any doubt that i will know him in heaven. Mr. and Mrs. Wood you and your family have my sincere sympathy, condolences and gratitude.May God bless your family always and God bless you Brian.
To the Wood Family, Mere words cannot express our symphathies for the loss of your son & bother, Brian. He gave his life making the world a better place for us all. We will miss seeing him, but know that he will go on in our hearts forever.
Our family shares your deep loss and we send you our condolences. We are grateful for your son\’s service to our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Susan and Myron Goldstein Rancho Palos Verdes
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Dear Family of Brian Wood, I am deeply sadened by Brian\’s death. He was so brave to serve our country and to die for us. I did not know Brian but feel a special place in my heart for him and I grieve for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless, Emily Piemonte
We just wanted to extend our sympathy to your family and express our gratitude to a young man who bravely defended his country and fought for freedom for all of us here in America. We truly appreciate it and your whole family is in our prayers.
During this time of unspeakable pain and loss, please know, even though we are complete strangers,You are in our thoughts and prayers…
Katie, Carrie and family, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you in the loss of Brian. I appreciate all that Brian did in the fight for our freedoms as Americans. May your memories and love of Brian keep him alive in your hearts.
Dear Wood Family, There is nothing I can say that will make your loss any easier. I am so sorry – while I don\’t think I ever had the opportunity to meet Brian (I was in the South Torrance HS band from 1993-1997 and my sister Joanna was in from 1996-2000) I\’m sure he was a wonderful man. I hope to attend most of the church services tomorrow before I have to leave for a drumline competiton, but I wanted to make sure that you knew that my family and the South Torrance HS Band Family all send our deepest condolences.
My son and I want to express our sincere condolences. Daniel will be 21 on Tuesday and is in the Army stationed in Colorado. He came home from Iraq (after 8 months) last month. I told him I was willing to share him with your family and he liked that idea very much. Our boys are true American heroes to be willing to serve and protect our country without fear. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
To the Wood family, We were saddened by the news of Brian death. Our prayers are with you & your family. We did not know Brian but we know Katie. Thank you Brian for protecting our Country and for being a brave young man…God Bless and take care
My sincere condolences and thoughts go out to your family at this very difficult time. I saw Brian\’s obituary in the newspaper during the week, and was so sorry to hear of his passing. Eventhough I did\’nt know him personally, I am very proud of him for defending our country and to me he truly is a hero. I graduated from West High School 20 years prior to Brian in 1981 and have the same last name only by coincedence. Whenever I hear about a West High School graduate passing away, I still consider them to be a part of an extended family of other West High School alumni like myself. Brian did a wonderful and very brave thing, by choosing to defend our country and I will always by greatful for that. May God bless all of you and may he and Brian both always by be with you. Sincerley, Antoinette Wood WHS Class of 1981
The Wood family, As a member of your extended MPE(Mojave)family, I wish to express my deepest condolences. Your son, your brother, is a true hero in my eyes. Thank you Brian for protecting all that we hold so dear. May peace come to your family soon.
hi my husband knew your son they were good friend i am sorry for your loss i went to the his service when we were in germany again sorry for your loss
i would like to say that i’m so sorry for you and your familys loss i know that he was a wonderful person becuase of my brother-in – law Sgt.brian oliver has told my son and your son has inspirted my 7 year old to be an army soilder and i want to thank you for giveing us the USA a wounderful solider . i know i never meet him but i would have love to have and i would like to say that on this day to rememeber the fallen i’ll will think of him . thank you again