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In
Memory of David Wood
In Memory of David Wood
1963 - 2006
We have a book of
memories of David. If you would like
to view the memory book, either electronically or as a hard copy,
please e-mail Kirsten at alumni@publicinterestnetwork.org.
From the Aspen 2007 Dinner Program:
David Wood was chief legal counsel for The Fund for 10 years. He defended our campus chapters in student fee fights, challenged local governments when they stopped or harassed our canvassers, and, through dozens of other matters, critically important or mundane, helped keep us on the right side of the law, and the law, as much as it can be, on our side.
Following in the footsteps of Joel Ario and Jeff Bernstein, his immediate predecessors, David brought a certain unlawyerly zest to his job—whether he was submitting his monthly reports in haiku form; inspiring students, canvassers and callers with his legendary briefings; getting his hands dirty doing whatever he could to help win Prop 212 in California; or reciting the usual legal disclosure before nearly every major PIRG social event (“as you know, we do not condone the use of illegal substances at this event. As chief legal counsel, I’m obligated to request that you turn in all such substances directly to me.”)
Beneath the manic charm, of course, lay a fierce intelligence and an intense commitment to the work. After leaving PIRG and The Fund, he served as executive director of GrassRoots Recycling Network, which, under his leadership, became a national leader in the promotion of responsible handling of electronic waste.
We learned of David’s passing this time last year, while many of us were in Aspen. He left two daughters, Malena and Emma. A fund has been established on their behalf. Contributions can be made in care of Kerry Schumann, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, 306 E. Wilson St, #2E, Madison, WI 53703.
