Lisle Eugene Wood (aka, Woody, Snooks) was born in Butte, Montana on December 11, 1937 and “Flew Away Home” on February 28, 2019, surrounded by Family and Love.   His father, Walter Albert Wood, was born September 10, 1907 in Superior, Wisconsin.   His Mother, Evelyn Lorene Mendenhall, was born in Archer, Nebraska, April 13, 1912.   His Beloved Step-Mother, Ann M. Wood, was born in Butte, Montana, April 30, 1916, and passed away January 18, 1999.

      Lisle went to Hawthorne Elementary in Butte.   Graduated from Butte High School in 1956, and graduated, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, from Montana State College (now MSU) in 1961.

      Lisle was enlisted in the U.S. Army/Army Reserve on December 12, 1955 with an Honorable Discharge, October 3, 1960.

      Lisle is survived and cherished by his son Alex Lisle Wood, his son’s wife Jolene Loewen (both of Butte and Missoula), Lisle’s precious Daughter, Zoe Lisle Wood, of Butte and now La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico, Lisle’s Grandson, Zachary Oakes (Wife Monica), and Great Grandson, Carter Oakes, of Pandora, Ohio.   His former wife and forever friend, Pauline (Wood) Thomas, resides in Cochrane, Alberta.

      Lisle is also survived and especially remembered by His Brother, Donald A. Wood and Don’s wife, Betty (Truzilino) Wood, of Mission Viejo, California.

      Lisle was affectionately known as “Uncle Snooks” to fellow pilot, his Nephew David Wood, David’s Wife Stacey and Lisle’s lovely Nieces, Sandra Wood, Sharon Wood, Carole (Wood) Moss and Carole’s husband Ty Moss.

      Along with many other jobs, including several years with the U.S. Forest Service (and some great stories), Lisle was employed by the Montana Power Company for over 30 years.   Hired as a draftsman, he was promoted into various management positions and retired from the MPC as the Vice President of Administration of the MPC, Entech Division, in 1992.

      He was born with a desire to fly. Lisle’s father taught him how to fly, and repair an airplane, at the same time he was learning how to walk.   An early photograph shows one-year-old Lisle sitting on the wheel well of his father’s airplane at the Bert Mooney Airport.   One of the more recent photos depicts Lisle, at age 81, standing in front of his prized 1945 J3 Piper Cub, carefully maintained and hangered at the same airport.   He obtained a pilot’s license at a very early age and eventually became a flight instructor as well as a glider pilot.

      Lisle joined the Board of Directors of the Bert Mooney Airport in 2011.

      Lisle is memorialized, for being involved with the Butte airport for more than 80 years, with the Lisle E. Wood Conference Room at the new Butte airport terminal.

      Lisle also had a major role in the restoration of the very first hanger on the Butte airport.   That hanger was once occupied by Charles Lindbergh and his famous airplane “The Spirit of Saint Louis”.   He was also an avid bird watcher who enjoyed searching for new species to add to his life list.

      Lisle’s love of flying was matched by his love for his great and lifelong friends, guitar music and “The Part Time Band”, preservation of Montana folklore, and the appreciation for the food and spirits unique to Butte.   His knowledge of, and appreciation for, the history of his hometown made Lisle the ideal tour guide.

      His humor, compassion, and steadfast nature created friendships that endured decades of change.

      His positive influence on his family, friends, and the city of Butte, will last forever.

      A casual “Celebration of Life” will be held at the Larry Farrar Hanger, at the Bert Mooney Airport, May 25th, starting at 12 p.m.

      Suspenders are welcome!