Born July 1, 1963, Mr. Wood was the seventh of eight children raised by Dr. I. Robert Wood and Carol Ann Wood on East Main Street in Clifton Springs. He attended local public schools, graduating from Midlakes High School. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Bucknell University, where he majored in pre-law. He received his law degree from the University of Buffalo.

Even as a teenager it was clear that Mr. Wood would lead a life of activism and work on behalf of progressive political causes and social justice. At Midlakes High School he served as the student representative to the board of education, and founded an underground student newspaper that found more favor with his classmates than school administrators.

"He was a crusader for anything that was right," recalled his father.

After earning his law degree, Mr. Wood was employed by the Public Interest Research Groups, a network of state-based organizations that work to protect the environment and public health, and to nurture democratic government. He became the group's national counsel.

More recently, Mr. Wood served as executive director of the GrassRoots Recycling Network, a Madison, Wisconsin organization that under his direction became a national leader in the drive to promote responsible disposal of electronic waste.

In his advocacy work, Mr. Wood combined a strong idealistic streak with a practical appreciation for how to build broad support. A bill to make manufacturers pay for disposal of electronic appliances, he told the Wisconsin legislature in 2004, would be good both for the environment and the state’s economy.

In his personal life, Mr. Wood applied a wide-ranging curiosity to many varied pursuits that all seemed to come easily to him. He was a gifted natural athlete, an avid outdoorsman, a polished handyman, and an eclectic artist.

His two daughters, Malena, 13, and Emma, 6, were his greatest joy. They survive him, as do his parents, I. Robert Wood and Carol Ann Wood of Geneva, five sisters and two brothers.

A memorial service will be held Saturday January 6, 2007 at the Clifton Springs United Methodist Church with the Rev. Lynn Spence officiating. It is requested that memorial donations be made to the House of John 14 Spring Street Clifton Springs, NY 14432.

Funeral arrangements have been made with The Cheney Funeral Home 70 Main Street Phelps, NY 14532.