UFO Researcher Legend D. Robert Wood Has Passed
By Bob Spearing
From The Wood & Wood Enterprises Newsletter:
It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my father Dr. Robert (Bob) M. Wood, who left us on August 26, 2024, at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California, due to cardiopulmonary arrest. He was 96 years old. A memorial service to celebrate his remarkable life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Costa Mesa, California, on Sunday, September 29th, at 2 PM.
Dr. Wood was a man of extraordinary intellect, integrity, and curiosity, whose contributions to the fields of aerospace engineering and UFO research have left an indelible mark on both scientific and ufological communities. Born on April 4, 1928, in Ithaca New York, Bob’s journey through life was characterized by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a deep commitment to uncovering the truths that lie beyond our immediate understanding.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Bob Wood‘s academic journey began with a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Colorado in 1949. He furthered his education by earning a Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University in 1953. His early career saw him working for General Electric Aeronautics and Ordnance, followed by a two-year stint in the U.S. Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground. In 1956, he joined Douglas Aircraft, which later became McDonnell Douglas and eventually Boeing, where he spent an impressive 43 years.
During his tenure in the aerospace industry, Dr. Wood was involved in numerous groundbreaking projects. His work included the thermodynamics of missile cooling, managing independent research and development projects, antigravity research and investigations, designing radars to discriminate between Soviet ballistic missiles and their decoys, and contributing to the Space Station’s development. He also played a pivotal role in promoting the Delta launch vehicle as NASA’s workhorse for orbital payloads.
UFO Research and Contributions
Dr. Wood‘s interest in UFOs began in the late 1960s when he led a proprietary project aimed at understanding how UFOs “worked.” This “Boys in the Back Room” (BITBR) project employed the late Stanton Friedman and had funding of $4.5 million in today’s dollars. Ultimately this blossomed into a lifelong passion, and upon his retirement in 1993, he became deeply involved in the forensics of authenticating the Majestic-12 UFO trove of documents. He collaborated closely with his son, Ryan S. Wood, and together they made significant strides in the field.
Bob was a long-time Director of Research for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and served on the Board of Directors for MUFON the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization. He was also a counselor for the Society for Scientific Exploration and a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics since 1947. His scholarly contributions included authoring numerous articles on UFOs and the groundbreaking 1968 AIAA talk “Giant Discoveries of Future Science”. He authored, edited and contributed to several books—Alien Viruses, Selected by Extraterrestrials by fellow Douglas Aircraft employee Bill Tompkins, and the Encyclopedia of Flying Saucers by Vernon Bowen.
Personal Life and Legacy
On June 11, 2000, Bob married Lynda Sardou Gagliano in Costa Mesa, California. Their union was a testament to his belief in love and companionship, and they shared many happy years together. Bob was also a dedicated member of his community, actively participating in Rotary International, Toastmasters International, Newport Beach Exchange Club and an active member of the United Methodist Church.
Dr. Wood‘s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. He was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light to many. His work in UFO research was not just about uncovering the unknown but also about fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity in others. He believed in the importance of scientific integrity and the pursuit of truth, values that he instilled in all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Life Celebrated
The memorial service at the United Methodist Church in Costa Mesa will be an opportunity for family, friends, colleagues, and admirers to come together and celebrate the life of a man who dedicated his life to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. It will be a time to share stories, reflect on his contributions, and honor the legacy of Dr. Robert M. Wood.
Dr. Robert M. Wood‘s passing is a significant loss to the scientific and UFO research communities. However, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of researchers and enthusiasts. His life’s work serves as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor, one that can lead to profound discoveries and a deeper understanding of the universe we inhabit.
Rest in peace, Dr. Bob. Your contributions to science and your unwavering quest for truth will never be forgotten.
His son, Ryan S. Wood.