Patrick L. “Pat” Wood died on Dec. 17, 2020 at his home in Echo at the age of 77.
He was born on Jan. 15, 1943 in Portland to John and Frieda Krause Sherman.
When he was young, he was adopted by his step-father, Ross Wood. He was proud to say that he grew up in St. John’s. He attended Sitton Elementary and then majored in automotive at Benson High School, graduating in 1961.
Pat married Janet Dorran in 1968, and they moved to Eastern Oregon shortly after. They had three children, Matt, Kristin and Doug. They later divorced. In 2000, Pat married Judy Sauer.
Pat worked as a welder in the Portland shipyards before entering apprenticeship to eventually become a journeyman sheet metal worker. He was later maintenance supervisor for the Echo School District, and he retired from PGE’s Boardman coal-fired power plant. Pat was a skilled mechanic and welder who could fix or build almost anything. He had a lifelong interest in cars, and his skills and modest garage were proof that it’s not the shop that makes the mechanic, but rather the mechanic that makes the shop. He was a mentor to many young people, particularly those who work in the “useful arts,” and was a good provider for his family.
Pat is survived by his wife, Judy; his brother, Bill (Ginny) Wood of Camas, Wash.; two children, Matt (Cindy) Wood of Helix and Kristin (Bob) Brunick of Twin Falls, Idaho; step-children, Dan Sauer of Salem, Bryan Sauer of Springfield, Dennis Sauer of Pendleton and Marilyn Tiboni of Bend; five grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; eight step-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Doug.
Arrangements are pending.
In lieu of flowers, his family recommends you provide a generous gratuity in the near future to a mechanic, tradesman or waitress.
Please share memories of Pat with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
