Von Albert Wood

Von Albert Wood passed away on March 28, 2026, from complications related to an infection. He fought with strength, grit, and courage, surrounded by those he loved. His resilience and determination will remain a defining part of his legacy.

Von was born on July 10, 1959, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Ralph and Margaret Wood, the sixth of ten children. From the beginning, he had that signature sparkle in his eye and a zest for life that drew people in. He grew up surrounded by siblings, cousins, and constant adventure -- running free, working on the family farm, and occasionally getting into trouble (including accidentally setting a neighbor’s car on fire). He loved the outdoors, loved to laugh, and loved his family deeply. The bond he shared with his family and close friends shaped him, and he carried that loyalty and love throughout his life.

As a kid, Von found football, which was a perfect outlet for his energy and competitive spirit. He loved the game, even the grueling summer practices, and thrived on the competition, discipline and camaraderie it brought. As a teen, he set his sights on another goal: winning the heart of Michelle Paul. It didn’t take long to see he was all in.

After playing football at Ricks College, Von served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Indiana. He loved the time he spent there and both the faith and friendships that he found carried him throughout his life. He returned home, married Michelle on August 1, 1980, in the Idaho Falls Temple, and began building a life rooted in hard work, faith, and family. He loved her fiercely, and together they created a family that would become the center of his world.

Von earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Utah State University and BYU and built a career that took him across the country. He worked in athletic training with professional teams, including the LA Express, and later at the University of Chicago before transitioning into the pharmaceutical industry, where he found long-term success over a 30+ year career. Never one to sit still, retirement simply meant a new chapter -- driving a school bus for the Davis School District, where he became a favorite among students. His “bus kids” adored him, and he adored them right back, delivering both laughter and what teachers likely considered an aggressively enthusiastic driving experience.

Of all his accomplishments, Von’s greatest pride and purpose was his family. He was a devoted father to his eight children, showing up again and again in ways big and small. He taught life skills, coached teams, planned adventures, and found ways to stay connected -- even holding one-on-one “interviews” with his kids just to check in. Whether it was skiing trips, long days at Pineview, cabin adventures, or family vacations, he created a life full of memories and made sure his children knew they were unconditionally loved and cultivated the love they had for each other.

That love only grew as he became “Papa Von” to 17 grandchildren. He made each one feel like his favorite. He was their safe place. The one with the best hugs, the best stories, and famous Oreo shakes. He showed up quietly but consistently, whether setting up his chair on the sidelines or sending a simple text to let them know he was thinking of them. He loved the Savior and shared that message often, along with his unwavering belief that families are forever.

Von will be remembered for working hard, playing hard, and loving even harder. He had a sense of humor that could disarm any situation and a presence that made people feel seen, valued, and cared for.

He is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, close friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

We love you and will miss everything about you. You fought the good fight, you finished your course, you kept the faith.

We are profoundly grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Thoracic ICU at Intermountain Medical Center. They walked with us through the darkest days—fighting for him, and offering us laughter, comfort, and compassion when we needed it most. We will never be able to fully express what that meant to our family.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mueller Park Stake Center, 1800 Mueller Park Drive, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:00-10:45 a.m., as well as Thursday evening, April 2, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the same location.

Interment will follow at Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Von Wood Memorial Fund via GoFundMe.