For Immediate Release

Oregon Wild mourns the loss of Wendell Wood

Statement of Sean Stevens, Oregon Wild Executive Director, on the passing of the great Wendell Wood:

"The Oregon Wild family is stunned and saddened by the passing of one of our heroes, Wendell Wood. Our thoughts are with Wendell’s wife Kathy at this difficult time.

"For over 30 years, Wendell was the conscience of the environmental community in Oregon. His dedication to protecting our forests, wildlife, and rare plants was matched by his intimate knowledge of the land. He shared his passion and knowledge of the natural world freely. So committed to his life’s work was Wendell that his “retirement” was in name only.

"With Wendell, the Forest Service must have thought we had eyes and ears everywhere in the state. One week he would uncover illegal burl poaching in the Oregon Redwoods; and the next he would discover a renegade road leading into Crater Lake National Park. Wendell was always in the field – learning, challenging, and teaching.

"We will remember Wendell for so much – his goofy wildlife-themed holiday cards, his tenacity in seeking restoration of the Upper Klamath watershed, his sense of humor, and his warm and welcoming personality.

"Though it does not make it less heartbreaking, it is completely fitting that Wendell’s last moments were spent on the trail, redwood giants towering above him, no doubt marveling at some small wonder of the forest before him.

"We will forever miss our friend, teacher, and colleague, Wendell Wood."

A remembrance celebration will be held on Saturday, September 12 in Springfield, OR. Please find more details here.

Photo by Shawn Linehan.