Dayne Mark Wood, age 51, a citizen of the world, departed this life on April 17th, 2022, at 5:42 pm after a long-term battle with mental illness.
Dayne was born on August 16th, 1970 in the United Kingdom to William Robert Wood and Winifred Theresa Wood. He was the proudest father of Jake Rizler Wood (UK) and Jamie Dean Dawson (DE). He was a devoted dog dad to Jax, who was always by his side. Dayne led an amazing life as a wanderer and citizen of the world, spending his last 20 years in the United States. Dayne loved the outdoors, people, music, video games, formula one, and riding motorcycles. He was an engaging storyteller and made friends wherever he went.
Dayne is survived by his family in the United Kingdom; his sons Jake and Jamie, his parents Bill and Terrie, his sister Dawn and brother-in-law Darren, and extended family Natasha, Sophie, and Bambam. He was preceded in death by his sister Lorraine.
At this time no formal services have been planned. Dayne’s family in the UK will be holding private services and will notify loved ones of the details. A celebration of life will be planned for later this summer in the US and be shared publicly once details are finalized.
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Melanie willis says:
Aww I’m so saddened to read this , my sincere condolences to you all . Dawn if I can attend to a family service would you mind d letting me know when it is xx take care
Sarah Proebstle says:
Although we will not gather now to mourn your loss I share the eulogy I would have spoken in your honor.
“Funerals are for the living. If we have not done for the dead while they were yet in flesh, it is too late; let the matter pass at the grave. Day by day we should live for those who are to die; and live so that we may die for those who are to live. Funerals are for the living.”
― Roelif Coe Brinkerhoff
Today I feel this quote more than ever, knowing Dayne’s belief that existence ends at death it feels even more fitting. Dayne was not someone I would ever have described as traditional unless it came to making a proper cup of tea, so why would anything about this process be traditional. While we are not gathering at this time to mourn his life and will meet during sunnier times to celebrate it. I felt it important to share the eulogy my heart has written to honor his life today.
I’ve had the honor of calling Dayne my friend, at times my roommate, and always the older brother I never wanted for the last 20 years. Over the past few days in everything that has had to be done I’ve heard his voice in my head many times, “fukin a matey I don’t want you to cry”. I can almost hear him cracking jokes, teasing me, trying to lighten my spirits. Dayne was one of the kindest people I have ever met; it was nothing for him to pull $20 out of his wallet to give to someone in need but he struggled to accept that same kindness and generosity from others.
Dayne was a gifted storyteller, who lived many different lives throughout his time on this earth. I could spend hours recalling stories he has told me; “borrowing the car” from his mum, all the trouble he would get into as a child, anytime he talked about his sister it was “our Dawn”, the fondness in his voice when he would talk about his sister Lorraine. The stories about being a young father, how much he loved Jake and Jamie, and how proud he was of the men that they have become. I would love to listen to his tales of his travels in Spain and Holland, and the people he met along the way. Walking in the house and saying hi to his Dad while they were on one of their almost daily skype calls. Dayne could light up a room with his presence and stories. As the rest of us travel through life I hope you continue his storytelling tradition by sharing your stories of him with the world.
Dayne had the heart of an adventurer and the soul of a wanderer. While back home always meant the UK and he built a life here in the US I believe his heart was always on the road. He had many motorcycle adventures over the years. Even a long trip to Texas ended up in him driving back to IL in the snow! In these last few years of his life, he had the opportunity to travel out west. He explored the desert and mountains in Moab, UT. Watched Close Encounters of The Third Kind under the stars in view of Devil’s Tower. Explored as many national and state parks throughout Nevada and Utah that he could find. Dayne was obsessed with the free solo climber Alex Honnold, watched his movie probably 50 times or more, and had secretly hoped to meet him on the trails in Nevada.
Dayne was also a lover of speed! I can still hear him screaming “Go Lando Go!” on Sunday mornings when he would watch the races. He could talk for hours about racing and his favorite driver Lewis Hamilton. My last conversation with Dayne was about coming out to Vegas next year to see the Formula One races. That love of speed wasn’t just with racing but also with motorcycles. Dayne had many adventures on his bike and just like in all areas of his life made many friends who shared his passion along with way. When I bought my trike Dayne would pick on me endlessly but he was the one that lead me on my first long ride, who taught me the do’s and don’ts of riding, and showed me some hidden gems in the midwest. I got to return the favor when Dayne moved to Vegas and show him some of my favorite rides there.
Prior to living in the US Dayne held a variety of jobs, he ran the family bar in the UK and worked for various warehouse operations in Europe. After settling in the US Dayne started working in distribution centers as an operations supervisor. He worked for North American Corporation in Glenview, IL, Learning Resources in Vernon Hills, IL and Brightstar in LIbertyville, IL. At every location, Dayne excelled at what he did. He made some of his closest friends at his places of work throughout his career and was a beloved supervisor.
In the last few years, Dayne and I grew closer, especially during the year he lived with me in Nevada. As roommates we get to see a side of each others, the public face goes away and a different level of honesty appears. Over the past few years Dayne has been struggling with his demons and it’s not a side he showed to many. The outgoing, charismatic side of Dayne appeared less and less, replaced by someone who was in so much pain. Even as he struggled Dayne was always there for me in some of the hardest times of my life. I had the greatest respect for Dayne ad we both put great value on the value of respecting personal autonomy and the decisions people make. While I am devastated by the decision Dayne made I will respect that it was his decision and that the he no longer suffers.
Dayne used to love to pick on me, my constant singing around the house was his favorite way to poke, especially when I would sing this song. So matey, while you aren’t here to make fun of me I sing this in my heart once again in honor of you.
One More Light
Linkin Park
Should’ve stayed, were there signs, I ignored?
Can I help you, not to hurt, anymore?
We saw brilliance, when the world, was asleep
There are things that we can have, but can’t keep
If they say
Who cares if one more light goes out?
In a sky of a million stars
It flickers, flickers
Who cares when someone’s time runs out?
If a moment is all we are
We’re quicker, quicker
Who cares if one more light goes out?
Well I do
The reminders pull the floor from your feet
In the kitchen, one more chair than you need oh
And you’re angry, and you should be, it’s not fair
Just ’cause you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it, isn’t there
If they say
Who cares if one more light goes out?
In a sky of a million stars
It flickers, flickers
Who cares when someone’s time runs out?
If a moment is all we are
We’re quicker, quicker
Who cares if one more light goes out?
Well I do
Who cares if one more light goes out?
In a sky of a million stars
It flickers, flickers
Who cares when someone’s time runs out?
If a moment is all we are
We’re quicker, quicker
Who cares if one more light goes out?
Well I do
Well I do
Kristin Gannon says:
Thank you for sharing, Sarah. There is so much I didn’t know about Dayne until I read this. I’m so sorry to learn about the nature of his passing. May he Rest In Peace and my your memories of him sustain you and his family.
David Rodriguez says:
That is beautiful, Sarah.
Christine says:
Fondest memories of dayne today is his sister lorraine birthday forever may you rest in peace and give her a big hug ( she will probably give you a good bat first ) I loved them both sincerely xx
David Rodriguez says:
Dayne, you will always be my brother. God knows I certainly loved you like one. We shared so many great times together, mate. I made the mistake of cutting ties with you towards the end, and even though it ended like this, I always missed you, kid. Always thought about you with fond memories. Always remembered our smoke sessions, I can still hear you say, “Skin up, Mate” in your cool ass British accent. I remember I would try and imitate it and I thought I was perfect speaking in that accent, and you would just poke fun. Your quick wit, and clever retorts were hilariously well timed. I remember your infamous tunes, that consisted of a plethora of British bands that were quite good. You turned me on to Oasis, and Radiohead and even Jimi Hendrex. I turned you on to some Amy Winehouse and Madseason. I find myself repeating your quotes in a British accent during conversations, and people look at me oddly. Quotes like “Steady on, Mate” or “Easy Fukin Tiger”, and Bob’s Your Mother’s Brother”, and my favorite,”Fukin Ell”. I find myself expressing terms of endearment not really used in the States, like referring to someone as “Pet”. That time we tripped balls near O’Hare Airport, that was hilarious. You turned me on to a few classic films like “Lock Stock and two Smoking Barrels”, and “Snatch”. I learned a lot from you, bro. Wish I could have been there more for you towards the end. Really disappointed at myself for not trying to at least re-connect, or be there for you when you needed someone. Something I will have to come to terms with I guess. I love you, brother. Your memories will always be with me till we see each other someday. Rest easy, kid.
Ángel Santiago says:
Had the pleasure to meet Dayne trought David Rodríguez, we shared some good memories together. RIP Mate
Ken Karge says:
Truly heartbroken. Love you my brother. Rest in peace… Ken Karge
Edward Zickujr says:
I am saddened to hear of Daynes’ passing. I met him around 10 years ago, his personality and no holds barred humor were a joy, he is remembered as a man who truly lived, and brought joy and laughter to those around him, his family and close friends have my deepest condolences.
Marie says:
Just heard sad news about Daynes passing 😢 You’ll be getting lots of cuddles from Lolly right now I bet, but my heart goes out to the family. ❤️ Marie x