Deborah “Debbie” Joan Wood shared, “It’s just as peaceful and beautiful as I thought it would be.” as a final sentiment to her family a few hours before taking her last breath on July 8, 2024, succumbing to chronic idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis which she had valiantly journeyed with for the prior eight years of her life. When diagnosed with such a fate, many might turn inward or let it change their outlook on life, but not Debbie! Those who’ve loved her, known her, or even had the good fortune of passing her as she walked her beloved companion Esmeralda, know that she faced her mortality and death as she did her life: head-on and with a bright smile, her signature laugh, and pragmatic optimism.

Deborah was born to the late Benjamin Franklin Wood and Sue Wood (Schmid) on September 16, 1952, in Grants Pass, Oregon, the seventh of eight children. Always known as incredibly bright and whip-smart, her childhood was punctuated by her love of reading, her love of dogs and dog training, and her love of her large family. She enjoyed school and, after graduating from Hillsboro High School in 1970, continued her education with scholarships for debate at Pacific University and College of William & Mary, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1974. After attending College of William & Mary Law School, she returned to the Northwest. Deborah found her calling in public service working for the City of Richland and the State of Oregon Housing Authority. She later moved to Portland to work as the Executive Director of Central City Concern. She was very proud of her accomplishments at CCC, supporting their vision of ending homelessness and supporting those who are struggling, and she is credited with helping to build the organization during her tenure.

Never known to be short on words, Deborah was a prolific writer and captivating storyteller! She was the pet columnist for The Oregonian for 11 years and authored 11 books including The Tao of Bow Wow and The Dog Lover’s Guide to Dating. She loved to share how the latter was optioned into a movie, if only so they could use the title! In 2019, Deborah was inducted into The Dog Writers Association of America’s Hall of Fame for her “lifetime achievement as a columnist, author, and humanitarian.” She won numerous Maxwell Medallions and other awards for her work.

In 1991, Debbie saved her brother Peter’s life by becoming a living kidney donor. Her selfless gift extended his life by 29 years, enabling him to see his children grow up and meet his grandkids.

As an extension of her continued advocacy for animal welfare, Debbie became the manager of Washington County Animal Services and the Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter from December 2008 until her retirement in 2017. Debbie was a founding member of the Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland (ASAP), which is a coalition of local animal organizations dedicated to making the Portland metro region a safer place for pets. Her work was instrumental in reducing euthanasia in the Portland area, making it one of the safest places in America for a homeless pet.

May she always be remembered for the sparkle in her eyes and her cheerful nature, and for being fiercely independent, brilliant, and downright hilarious. And if we must remember any shortcomings, let it be for her time on Jeopardy in 2002, when she went into final Jeopardy in the lead and lost it all after betting big – on herself and her smarts!

In addition to her parents, Deborah was preceded in death by her five brothers: Stephen, Jeffrey, Peter, Franklin, and Michael; three sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, her niece Jennifer Wood; and her beloved companion animals: Esmeralda, Sprite, Pogo, Radar, Goldie, and her first dog, Magoo, who she received for Christmas when she was 12-years-old and who is credited for igniting her love of dogs and dog training.

She is survived by her sisters Dixie Wood and Dale Wood DeRoest, her sisters-in-law Jeanne Wood McManus and Peggy Wood, and a large mob of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, friends, former co-workers, and neighbors who all miss her.

Please join us in celebrating Deborah’s life at a gathering on Sunday, September 8th at 1:00 pm at Dougy Center (3909 SE 52nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97206).

If you would like to honor Deborah’s legacy, gifts can be directed to Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter.