February 26, 1947 – March 1, 2026
Val Wood of Cedar City, Utah, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026. Born on February 26, 1947 in Cedar City, as the oldest child of Lehi and Elsa (Pendleton) Wood, Val was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, known for his humor, creativity, and resilience.
A lifelong resident of Southern Utah, Val graduated from Cedar High School. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Austria, an experience that led to him speaking German fluently for the rest of his life. In 1975, he suffered a traumatic brain injury on Kanarra Mountain that affected him for the rest of his life. Despite this challenge, Val lived fully, always ready with a story, a joke, or a poem about someone’s name.
Val worked for many years at Deseret Industries in Cedar City, a job he truly enjoyed and where he made many friendships.
Val was married three times. He first married Louise Seegmiller, and together they had three children: Brigitte, Melora, and Kurt. Val and Louise later divorced. In 1985, he married Ardith Shakespear; they later divorced. After a brief courtship, he married Regina Houston on November 11, 1993, in the Las Vegas Temple. Regina preceded him in death in 2021.
Val will be remembered for his storytelling, humor, poetry, and craftsmanship, including welding projects and creative plant stands. He loved gardening, maintaining the greenest lawn, and caring for animals— rescuing his dog “Freeway” from the I-15 freeway and transporting cats by bike to the vet, much to the dismay of the cats as they had to ride in his backpack. His signature phrase, “Well, alright,” often accompanied a knowing eye roll, and his warmth and humor touched everyone who knew him. He also cherished spending time at the family ranch near Zane.
He is survived by his daughter Melora Wood, son Kurt Wood, and son-in-law Miguel Galindro; grandchildren Alex and Brendan Galindro; brothers Matthew (Marilyn) Wood, Randy (Aleta) Wood, and Mont (Cindy) Wood; sister-in-law Judy Wood; brother-in-law Daniel Venables; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his loving and patient wife Regina Wood, daughter Brigitte Galindro, grandson Daniel Galindro, his parents, sister Lucy Venables, brother David Wood, and niece Wendy Wood.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to 3 Peaks Assisted Living, as well as to his siblings Matt and Lucy, for their loving care and support following Regina’s passing. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 am at Cedar City Cemetery, Cedar City, Utah. Interment is under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be shared on the website www.mortuary.org.