Guestbook for Jeffrey R. Wood
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January 8, 2021 | Pete Porter - Hurdle Mills, NC -- US

Ouch, this one really hurts. Ride on my brother. We had a lot of great times over all these decades. I am glad I was there to share them with you.
My heart is with you Joyce! Carry the torch Bob!

January 8, 2021 | Tania Marlowe - Rocky Point, NC -- United States

I would like to take a moment to thank all of you for the amazing words in this guestbook about my dad. My heart is broken into a million pieces. But, reading what you all have written about him, warms my heart and makes me smile. He has been my hero, my rock, my mentor, my sensei, (I could go on forever and still not have enough words)for as long as I can remember. I honestly do not know where I would be or who I would be with out his love, guidance, support, and everything he taught me by example. Again, thank you all for sharing your heartfelt condolences and for all the kind words.

January 1, 2021 | Alex Wilson - Portland, Maine -- USA

Sorry for your loss. I'll always be grateful for growing up next door to Jeff, Joyce, and Nolan. You're all in my thoughts.

December 27, 2020 | Ray Rodriguez - Gardiner, Maine -- USA

Here I was a yellow belt always in positional line up behind a red belt with large letters spelling Crab on the back of his gi. It was in the old YMCA in August and that red belt was Jeff. His uniform was always so clean, crisp, and ironed. I admired him so much and stayed with him when he opened the Tao Karate Club. He truly loved martial arts and I will never forget those early days training with him. Rest in peace.

December 26, 2020 | Stephen MacDougall - Lewiston, Maine -- USA

Jeff, you were such an inspiration to so many, especially many students at Hall-Dale High School. You were a wonderful chaperone when we took our students to Aomori, Japan in 2002 where they demonstrated their martial arts skills that you had taught them. Thank you for your wonderful support. You will always be remembered. Rest In Peace my friend.

December 26, 2020 | Shamus LaPerriere - Rome, Maine -- United States of America

Jeff has always held a special place in my heart and always will, he helped me find the conference to be myself and showed me I was capable of great things with hard work and discipline! He truly will be missed. I regret that our lives took separate path, but I am greatful for the time we shared! My deepest condolences go out to you and yours Joyce for your loss!

December 26, 2020 | Senpai Susan "Zen" Pond - Dresden, Maine -- USA

Very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing, and many thanks for the years he devoted to the Tao. Greatest sympathy to Joyce and all his family.

December 26, 2020 | Donald R. Lemieux - Sidney, Maine -- U.S.

Jeff was martial arts instructor to both my son, Steve, and my daughter, Frannie. He was especially devoted to Frannie, who has a disability and is wheelchair bound, modifying the Tao's training program to accommodate her, so that she could participate. I remember Jeff wheeling her around in her chair like crazy during testings, helping her spar with the blackbelts and other students. He enjoyed it as much as she did!

December 25, 2020 | Aaron Eaton - Kingston, MA -- USA

"Karate without practice is like a flower without water." But, what is karate? What is the practice? One had to truly watch and study Sensei to see what he taught. It was not punches and kicks as it seemed. It was humility, it was compassion, it was kindness to those in need. Sensei loved children and wouldn't turn away those who didn't have the money to pay. He allowed their families to keep their dignity by earning their way to classes through work in the dojo, like The Karate Kid's Miyagi. While his business was successful, people and their needs were always put before the business. It was always about people, not money.
He was not a perfect man, but he was a perfectly real man. He pushed his students to attain their highest potential, even when they couldn't see it in themselves. He used karate as a tool to instill in his students the strength and character to overcome life's adversities.
Sensei always believed in his students, and the lessons he taught have undoubtedly traveled with and shaped a generation of students from his Central Maine schools. A generation of students that have carried those lessons throughout Maine, the US, and all over the world.
Each year at his Kamp Karate, he would say, "We need to leave this place better than we found it." He has now left this world. But true to form, he has left it so much better than he found it. So, despite the deep ache we feel in our hearts, let us remember him with the love and admiration that he felt for all of us. For without him, we would not be who we are today.
Domo Arigato, Sensei!

December 25, 2020 | Sharon Trott - Big Bear City, CA -- United States

The Trott family wishes to express our condolences to Jeff’s entire family. Our hearts extend to you at this terrible time.
May his memory be a comfort!

December 25, 2020 | (Sempai) Don Wismer - Wayne, Maine -- USA

Shihan Sokei Wood was a tremendous positive influence on me and my family. I and three of my four children achieved black belt under his and Shihan Dupuis's tutelage (the fourth almost did before he moved out of state). Shihan Sokei was a charismatic presence throughout the Maine martial arts circuit. Our deep condolences to Sempai Joyce and family and the entire Tao community.

December 25, 2020 | Kevin Mattson - Freeport, ME -- United States of America

Jeff was a wonderful man. He had a magnetic personality and was so kind and thoughtful. I remember when we first met and he ran a karate school in Hallowell. He will be missed and Joyce I am so sorry for your loss.

December 25, 2020 | Evan Hansen - Hudson, Florida -- United States

RIP GOD BLESS

December 24, 2020 | Wayne Mello - Palm Coast, Florida -- USA

The times we spent together will forever be cherished,you were truly one of a kind and I am honored to have called you friend,until we meet again,hope you're able to ride to your hearts content,love you my brother

December 24, 2020 | Judith Brookings Santos - Penobscot, Maine -- USA

Dear Family,
My mind goes back to the days when we were all young children and we gathered with all our cousins for a family get together? Sometimes it was in Bangor, sometimes in the Augusta area. It was always so special to be together.

My heart is saddened by the loss of Jeff. I will always remember him as a loving cousin!
Love Judy

December 24, 2020 | James Belmont - Rangeley, Maine -- USA

I will always remember the time I spent studying under Jeff. It was with great sadness to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.