Rotary District 5470

Bio: David Wood was raised in the state of Maine and graduated from Maine Maritime Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nautical Science, a commission as Ensign in the U. S. Naval Reserve and with a Thirds Mates License issued by the U. S. Coast Guard. Following graduation, he was employed for ten years by Texaco, Inc. marine division with service on over 20 Texaco tankers in all license positions as Third officer to Master. In 1976, he was selected to join the Sabine Pilots Association, a privately-owned company providing pilotage service to ocean going vessels into three ports in southeast Texas. As a Sabine Pilot for 27 years he was responsible for over 2,500 safe vessel transits of the Sabine-Neches Waterway.

Living in Beaumont, Texas for thirty-seven years provided David with numerous opportunities to be involved in the community. His passion has always had a focus on youth so umpiring Little League baseball, junior high youth counselor at his church or Boy Scouts were all natural avenues for him to serve his community. He also served several years as a board member for the Beaumont Housing Authority and chaired a special advisory committee to the Captain of the Port U. S. Coast Guard. During his years in Beaumont was when he started his Rotary tenure joining the Rotary Club of Beaumont in 1988. Because of his community involvement he received several distinguished awards, The Cross and Flame Award from the Methodist Church, the Silver Beaver from the Boy Scouts of America and in 1995 was selected as Maritime Person of the Year in southeast Texas.   

Following retirement David and Cathy decided that they would leave Texas and make their vacation home in Salida, Colorado their residence. This move opened new areas of volunteerism whether it was Meals on Wheels, The Stone Soup Kitchen, or Colorado Farm to Table. The Rotary moto of “Service Above Self” learned as a member of the Rotary Club in Beaumont was a driving force and again the call of the Rotary spirit was there as he joined the Rotary Club of Salida in 2011. As a member of the Salida club he has served on the club’s board of directors, has chaired the Youth Services Committee and is currently the club’s Foundation Chair and is a past president of the Rotary Club of Salida. Additionally, he served as Assistant Governor for Area 6 District 5470. David is a multi-Paul Harris Fellow, a Paul Harris Society Member and a Major Donor of The Rotary Foundation.

David and Cathy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July of 2018, they have two children, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. They enjoy travel, skiing and anything that the great outdoors of Colorado has to offer.