Kerry Deen Wood died peacefully in his sleep with his hand in his mother’s hand, Saturday evening at 9 p.m. on Jan. 7 after several weeks of intense struggle with cancer.

Kerry was born to Harry E. and Avelina Wood in Oakland, Calif. on May 3, 1945. The family lived in Berkeley. His dad was in the restaurant business along with his three brothers until the family moved to San Jose in 1952. He attended San Jose schools and graduated from Del Mar High School.

Following graduation and military service, he began apprenticing to work in the building trades. He worked on tract houses, custom houses, church and building structures from Southern California to Nevada.

In 1985 he decided to forgo the “rat race” and join his mom on Whidbey Island. After a slow start, his fine workmanship began to attract more business. He has built several outstanding custom homes, including his mom’s and the apartment he built for himself in the back. He has done extensive remodeling in the neighborhood of Sun Vista Circle, building ramps and flat surfaces for some of our senior neighbors. Kerry was always willing to help his friends to move, help with household chores and offer counsel when needed.

Kerry was pre-deceased by his father Harry in 1970. He is survived by his mother Avelina; his former wife Clysta Seney and their daughter Isadora, born April 1, 1973. He is survived by his sister Danene Rellamas and his brother Craig Wood, both of San Jose; by his Aunt Mary and husband Aubrey Weeks; by cousins Greg, Eric and Paul Muller and their wives Sue, Nancy and Nadine; Uncle Al and Carol Waugh and cousins Carolyn Rinetti and Brian Waugh. He will be especially missed by his good friend and companion Jean Davis. He will be missed in the community by many with whom he shared and counseled.

A celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at the senior center opposite Bayview Shopping Center.

Donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society or charity of your choice in the name of Kerry D. Wood.