Dec 31, 2020 Eugene Roland Wood, 82, passed away at home surrounded by love, just before dawn on Dec. 23, 2020. Born in Upper Jay on March 5, 1938, he was the son of Roland Wood and Helen LaBombard. Eugene spent most of his early days on Heaven Hill Farm where he aided his father in farming. Gene worked at Last Chance Ranch and caddied at various golf clubs while attending Lake Placid High School, from which he graduated in 1956. Gene married Donna Mayotte in St. Alphonsus Church on Nov. 23, 1957, and they had five children: Russell, David, Daniel, Scott, and Noelle. As a young husband and father, Gene worked for Heim Beverage Company, sold Fuller Brush Products door to door during the day, and drove taxi at night. The stone wall Gene built on Hawk Island is one of many demonstrations of determination, as it still stands strong today.