Salinas

Norman Blair Wood was born on December 25, 1939, in Riverton, Wyoming. At the age of 84, he peacefully passed away on September 5, 2024, at his home in Salinas, California, with his beloved wife, Virginia, by his side.

When Norm and his older brother, Richard, were young, his parents, Keith and Lois, moved to Caldwell, Idaho, where they bought land and began farming. The boys embraced life in Caldwell, and Norm participated in sports and church activities, swam in the lake and canals, hunted birds, water skied, and played trumpet. Growing up on the family farm, Norm learned the value of hard work and discipline. Unfortunately, a back injury cut his farming career short, and he sought a new career. He enrolled at the College of Idaho and became the first in his family to earn a college degree.

After completing his education in accounting/finance and working for an accounting firm, in 1968, Norm and his then-wife, Mary Jo (nee Farner), moved their young family to Stockton, California where he began his career as a stockbroker with Dean Witter.

They later moved to Modesto, California in 1974 and he joined EF Hutton. In 1980, Norm relocated to the Monterey Peninsula to open and manage the first EF Hutton offices in Salinas and Carmel. In 2024, he reached an incredible milestone: 50 years with Morgan Stanley and its many predecessors, including EF Hutton and Shearson Lehman American Express, marking a remarkable achievement in his professional life.

In 1981, he married Virginia Merrihew (nee Johnson) in a beautiful ceremony in the Carmel Presbyterian Church, and they built their dream home, a serene, private “sanctuary” in the hills between Salinas and Monterey, where they have lived ever since.

A dedicated community member, Norm was involved with the Rotary Club, receiving the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award for his significant contributions. He also served as President of the Natividad Hospital Board from 1995 to 1998 and was a long-time member of the Salinas Airshow President's Club.

An avid sportsman, Norm enjoyed basketball and tennis in his younger years before developing a love/hate relationship with golf, being a member of the Corral de Tierra Country Club for 40 years. He loved the ocean and swimming, always insisting on having a pool. He could often be found lying in the sun poolside.

Norm is survived by his wife, Virginia Wood; his children: Greg (Cheryl) Wood, Jeana (Doug) Covert, Jodi (Bob) Derber, Jill (Paul) Neumeuer, Virginia’s children: Kimathy Merrihew, Kenton (Melissa) Merrihew, and Brandon Merrihew; along with 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A private service for family and close friends will be held to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to make donations to your favorite charity in Norm’s name.