Reginald Dennis (Kaaikaula) Wood Sr

Reginald (Kaaikaula) Wood, a former Lab employee, died of cancer at his home in Manteca Nov. 7. He was 73.

Wood was born Dec. 28, 1934, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was raised in Hayward, Calif., attended Hayward High School and Chabot College, and served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1960. He joined the Lab in 1958 and retired in 2003 after 45 years.

Wood was a dedicated lifelong member of the NRA and a devout Catholic. He is best remembered for his love of landscaping and working side by side with his wife to keep his home beautiful. He is honored by family, friends and colleagues across the nation.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 55 years, Mary; children Debra and husband Floyd Bohnett; Reg and wife Carolin Wood; Cheryl Wood; Gina and fiancé Bill Mickley; Daniel and wife Sarah Wood; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A mass will be held at 1 p.m., Nov. 14, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 525 E. North St., Manteca. Burial will take place at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, 17871 S. Carrolton Road, Escalon. After the service, a reception will be held at Chez Shari, 350 North Union Road in Manteca.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95204, or St. Anthony’s Catholic School Education, 323 N. Fremont St., Manteca.