William Wood

William Wood, age 66, a resident of El Salto, passed away unexpectedly on November18, 2023.  A longtime Taos area resident known for his progressive politics, quiet decency and wearing shorts no matter how low the temperature, died last month at his home in Arroyo Seco. He was 66. The cause was complications caused by Covid. Born May 7, 1957, William Pierson Wood was the son of Kay and James Wood, a newspaper man. He was raised in the small Bay Area town of Orinda where he was a high school football star. He attended San Diego State University on a football scholarship and later, California State University, Chico. After college, he lived in San Francisco where he was a fitness instructor. Tired of the city life, Bill found his new home in Taos where he became a rafting guide on the Rio Grande. Winters, he worked at The Austing Haus and for many years at The Hotel St. Bernard where he became close with owners, staff, and guests and liked to hike and ski. And in recent years, he enjoyed his job, cooking at the Taos Cow. In his off-hours, he borrowed library books and read voraciously. While he owned a cell phone, Bill remained an analogue man, refusing to go online, but he was always well informed. Bill was a familiar presence here. Even on the coldest of winter days, he wore shorts. And with his muscular physique and big beard, he looked like a mountain man. He countered what might have been an intimidating presence with kindness. As his beard grew longer and whiter, he took on the role of Santa at The St. B, where he was known as Big Bill, Large, or LW for Large William. He leaves his family who loved him: brothers John Wood, Jacob Wood and sister Rachel Wood and his stepmother, Carol Pogash, all of California. Bill’s friends are invited to gather on Sunday, December 10 from 2 – 5 pm at Taos Cow, Anglada Building, 736 Kit Carson Rd, Taos. Bring your shorts and ski socks. The family of William Wood has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019