Brian Wood

YARMOUTH – Brian Wood of Yarmouth, a beloved father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sept. 18, 2025, in Portland.

He was born Feb. 16, 1954, to Robert and the late Gwendolyn Wood in Middleborough, Mass.

Adventurous, clever, and loyal, Brian held deep pride and love for his family and friends. Known for his quick wit, he often had those around him doubled over with laughter. He was at his best lighting up a room or setting off on an adventure. Growing up in Yarmouth, he formed lifelong friendships that lasted until his final days. He enjoyed westerns, ‘60s and ‘70s rock, rooting for the Patriots, the Sunday Jumble, and nature programs.

Brian graduated from Yarmouth High School and attended SMVTI. He enjoyed his years as a boy scout and loved playing sports all his life. He was president of his class in 1970 and won several awards recognizing his athletic accomplishments. He played soccer, basketball, and baseball at Yarmouth and as an adult enjoyed playing recreational softball, darts, and lots of golf.

He worked as a carpenter and did many jobs around the Yarmouth area. If you have spent time in Yarmouth, or found yourself walking along the wooden bridge in Royal River Park, you have seen some of Brian’s work.

He married fellow Yarmouth native, Sharon Bowler, and they were together for 31 years. They have one daughter, Madeline, whom he adored. Brian and Maddy loved traveling together, seeking out wildlife and nature experiences. They swam with great white sharks, went on safari in Africa, snorkeled with manatees, and more. Brian’s love of animals and the natural world shaped his life. He, his mother, and his sister were avid bird watchers, often calling each other with bird sightings, both real and imagined.

Exploration defined Brian’s life. He lived and traveled throughout Arizona, Florida, the Bahamas, Alaska, and Thailand, and once thumbed his way from Colorado back to Maine with his puppy, Jessie. He cherished family travel traditions, like yearly trips to Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Outer Banks, camping in northern Maine, and weeks at Sebago Lake. These trips were filled with cards, sports, crab hunting, and puzzles, all spearheaded by Brian. He inherited a competitive nature from his mom, Gwen.

As the family videographer, Brian documented countless events with his ever-present camera and trademark commentary. The home videos he left behind are an emblem of his legacy and will bring joy and laughter for years to come.

Brian also devoted time to the local AMVETS chapter, joining fundraisers like the Clam Fest booths and Christmas tree sales. He greatly valued the friendships he built through that community.

He was predeceased by his mother, whom he cherished.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Madeline and her fiancé, Kyle; father, Robert; brother, Robert (Diane), sisters Ellen (Glen) and Patrice (Don), sisters-in-law Stephanie (Howie) and Laura. He leaves many cousins who he enjoyed spending time with and his nieces and nephews who loved and will dearly miss their “Funcle” Brian.

Brian’s family thanks the staff at Mercy Hospital for their compassion and support as well as Brian’s many friends for their solace during his final days.

Per his wishes, a private burial will be held later this month. The family invites you to join us for his Celebration of Life on Nov. 1, at 2 p.m., at Val Halla.

In place of flowers the family suggests donations to

The Audubon Society

in his memory.