Ralph J. Wood, Jr., a retired financial advisor and World War II veteran, died of Alzheimer's disease on March 17 at Carle Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was 89 years old and had lived in Urbana for 6 years.

Mr. Wood, a native of New Troy, Michigan, served in the Navy as a fighter pilot during the Second World War. After the war he attended the University of Chicago and in 1948 received his bachelor's degree in International Relations. Mr. Wood became a successful Chicago business man and community leader, beginning a radio station (WMOR) after college, and then selling insurance, pension plans, and mutual funds. In 1950, Mr. Wood joined Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada and in 1959 created his own company, Gerwood, Inc. Mr. Wood became an advisor and mentor to several generations of clients. As a community leader, Mr. Wood served as the president of SECO (the Southeast Community Organization) and several local PTAs. In 1959, Mr. Wood, as the only white member and former president of the South Side Life Underwriters Association (SSLU), helped the SSLU to integrate the Chicago Association of Life Underwriters. Mr. Wood also served in the Naval Reserve, retiring in 1971 at the rank of Commander. In 1981, Mr. Wood became a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table (The Premier Association of Financial Professionals).

Throughout his life Mr. Wood actively participated in politics, serving as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1972 and 1976. Always able to work with both Republicans and Democrats, Mr. Wood was appointed by President Reagan to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Advisory Committee in 1982, serving for over nine years. Mr. Wood traveled extensively in the U.S. and internationally, and particularly enjoyed camping with his family. He also loved music, especially the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Mr. Wood is survived by his wife, Trudi Wood, daughters Elizabeth Berry (Chuck), Cythnia Loui (Michael), and Maggie Cowan (John), sons Richard Wood (Laura) and R. Jay Wood, III (Janine); brother Stephen B. Wood (Judy) and sister Norma Lee Palmer; and grandchildren Matthew Cowan, Eric Loui, Jeremy Loui, Alexandra Wood, Regina Wood, and Thomas Wood.

A celebration of Mr. Wood's life will be held on April 20 at 2 p.m. at Clark-Lindsey Village, Urbana, IL (please wear red!). In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The University of Chicago, the ACLU, or the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign.