Stephen W. Wood, age 60, a lifelong resident of Vista, NY died May 22 at his home surrounded by his wife and daughters. Born in Mt. Kisco, NY on March 12, 1951, he was the son of Clare Berndt Wood and the late Charles D. Wood. Woody, as he was affectionately known, was the husband of Patricia Christiano Wood. Woody loved Pat more than anything. They married in 1978 and were a perfect balance for one another. The strong bond between the two of them was obvious to all. Stephen was diagnosed in February of 2008 with advanced pancreatic cancer. The life expectancy for a person with this disease is not long. Many believed Steve would be gone in 6 months time. He defied all odds when he fought hard to get his tumor down to an operable size. In October of 2008 he was cancer free after surgery. By May 2009, his family was shocked to learn the cancer had returned. Steve fought hard against his disease, proving that the will to survive is a powerful force. He continued to astound family and friends with wonder after wonder right up until the end. Stephen graduated from John Jay High School in 1969. Upon graduation, he had two major league baseball teams looking at him to be a pitcher. Steve made a decision that he never regretted to enter the Marine Corps instead. He was an active marine until 1972, stationed in Iceland for a period of time. Stephen also joined the Vista Volunteer Fire Department and was a member for 25 years. On April 1 of 1977, Steve's world changed forever when he became a police officer of the New Canaan Police Department. He spent the next 33 years dedicating his life to the protection of others. In 1984 he became New Canaan's first K-9 police officer as he partnered with "Ex". In 1997, Stephen was promoted to Lieutenant and he remained in that rank until the news of his cancer returning forced him into retirement in July of 2009. Woody had a very commanding presence about him, but those who knew him best knew he had an incredible sense of humor. Woody's red faced laugh is unforgettable to those who knew it. Woody enjoyed motorcycle riding. His current bike, a Harley Road King was kept meticulous. He was also an avid hunter and looked forward to trips to the Catskills where he hunted deer and turkey. Woody was also a committed member of the gym, which he went to frequently, even as his cancer and its treatments progressed. He was often spotted at Zumbach's in New Canaan sipping coffee with his supporters. In addition to his mother and wife, survivors include two daughters, Kimberely LaTourette and her husband Aaron of New Fairfield, CT and Kelly Svendsen and her husband Paul of Danbury, CT. Woody had four grandsons who he loved dearly- Lane and Lee LaTourette and Ryan and Tyler Svendsen. "Pop-Pop" as the little ones called him was very much amused by his grandchildren. All four grandsons admired him and wanted to be like him, whether it be being a cop, riding a motorcycle, using an I-Phone, or eating oatmeal just like Pop-Pop. Woody was known to be the kind of dad that would do anything for his daughters. He taught his children from an early age that work ethic was important and in order to get respect you have to earn it. He always told his girls, "don't get mad, get even". Woody loved his son-in-laws like they were his own sons. He enjoyed motorcycle riding with Aaron and hunting with Paul. Woody is also survived by his four sisters, Deborah Wood-Hoyt of Fairfield, CT, Valerie Sedelnick and her husband Dave of New Milford, CT; Pamela Perlik of Poughquag, NY and Catherine Politi of Fairfield, CT. Steve is proof that not all great men are statesmen, religious leaders, or medical experts. Some great men just live among us. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 27, 11:00AM at St. Aloysius Church, Cherry Street, New Canaan with Interment to follow with full military honors in Lakeview Cemetery, New Canaan. His family will receive friends at the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan on Thursday May 26 from 3:00-8:00PM. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Whittingham Cancer Center in Norwalk, 24 Stevens Street, Norwalk CT, the New Canaan PBA, South Avenue, New Canaan or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) in his name. For online condolences and directions visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com