Gary Stephen Wood

Gary Stephen Wood, Died peacefully surrounded by family in his southside Indianapolis home at 3:30 p.m. on December 29, 2025 at the age of 73, after a painful battle with cancer. Powerful in stature, presence, mannerisms, and voice. Gary was spiritually diverse (Mormon-Hindu-Catholic), extremely well read, possessed a keen ear & passion for music, an appreciation for art, and a fondness of the outdoors. A cowboy at heart with a sophisticated pallet, Gary was a lover of culture, cuisine, travel and exploration. A cigar aficionado and fly-fishing connoisseur - He was in his most harmonious state when fishing on the rivers, lakes, or oceans. Gary was also a sports enthusiast, rooting for his Cubbies, Colts, Pacers, Hoosiers, and the Utah Utes. And he enjoyed cycling and motorsports, namely the Tour de France, IndyCar and F1. Gary also had an innate gift of making fast friends with the most interesting among us – which fueled his curiosities, shaped his dreams, and expanded his worldview. Gary “Rabbit” was born on Easter Sunday, April 13, 1952 in Salt Lake City, UT to Afton (Egbert) and Lyle Wood. He initially attended the University of Utah where he studied Political Science and left to study music at the Westminster College in Utah before moving to southern California to study jazz under Moacir Santos the Brazilian composer. It was here he became a disciple of Shri Shyanyogi, a master of Kundalini Maha Yoga, and a spiritual calling through Hinduism. In 1978, while back in Salt Lake City, Gary met his love, Michele, and they were wed December 9th of that same year. Gary was baptized in the Catholic Church in 1980 as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. After moving to Indianapolis in 1984, Gary eventually began working for Lowes Corporation before he started G.S. Wood Custom Homes to ply his trade as a builder. After open heart surgery in 2005 he retired from construction and set his sights on owning and operating The Fly Shop in Ennis, MT until finally retiring in 2012 and returning to Indianapolis. Gary was a proud and doting family man – for his wife and sons, his cherished grandchildren, and his numerous nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, his “Sweet Babboo” Michele Kuntz Wood; his sons, Thor (Stephanie) and Nate of Indianapolis; siblings, John Wood (Nancy) of Bastrop, TX, Colleen Aird (Jim) of West Valley City, UT, and Michael Wood (Linda) of Lexington, KY; and his grandchildren, Marissa, Robert, Hailee, Sophie, Lily and Charley. He was preceded in death by his mother, Afton “Snuffer” and step-father, Vincent “Buzzard” Anderson. Though Gary showcased an inherent free spirit, he was strict on a few matters of importance: How to answer the telephone. How to say grace. Proper dining etiquette. Showing respect and manners. How to appreciate the finer things, and life in general. And throughout his life, Gary was a substantial man. He will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held April 12, 2026. Please contact the family to be added to the invitation list. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CYO Camp Needs Campaign online at https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/CYO/cyocampneedscampaign.html

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Gary Stephen Wood

April 13, 1952 - December 29, 2025