Ric Wood

Unsolicited phone calls started coming into The Enquirer just hours after Ric Wood's death Wednesday evening.
He meant so much to so many at Calvary Christian School that they wanted to publicly reflect on the man who had touched their lives.
Mr. Wood, the school's very popular art teacher, passed away from throat cancer at the age of 54.
"He was the most amazing person ever," said senior Kristen Kenaley, 18, who was in Mr. Wood's Art II class this semester. "He brought out the best in you and your work."
Don James, administrator at the school, attended Calvary Baptist Church with Mr. Wood and approached him many years ago about teaching. Mr. Wood at the time was a graphic designer for Hasbro Inc.
"I knew he had the artistic ability and I asked him if he'd ever thought about teaching," James recalled. "He laughed at me and said, 'No, and I don't want to.'"
But that changed in 2001 when Mr. Wood decided to accept the challenge.
"Our paths crossed again and the Lord brought us together," James said.
He was hired to teach art to all grades, K-12.
Mr. Wood's artwork is prominently displayed in the school through murals and pottery. He often drew caricatures of people and designed brochures for the school.
He was also an avid reader, loved music and was a fan of "Star Wars" and "Star Trek."
Mr. Wood had a sense of humor that he shared frequently with the students, even through his battle with cancer.
"When he had cancer and had to shave his head, he came in one day as Shrek - his whole head was painted green," Kristen said. "He was very strong. You couldn't tell when he was down."
Mr. Wood continued teaching through Dec. 4. "He was a survivor. Even though he didn't make it through the cancer, he kept going," said Michael Vaughn, 18, who was also in Wood's Art II class. "He was such an inspiration, so passionate about what he did and gave all the praise to God."
School will be closed Monday so students and staff can fully devote their time to honoring Mr. Wood.
Survivors include his wife, Cindy Baker Wood; daughter, Elisabeth Wood of Taylor Mill; brother, Michael Wood of Bright, Ind.; and sisters, Pamela Steele of Cincinnati and Lisa Kahny of Guilford, Ind.
Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Calvary Baptist Church. Visitation will follow from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Center of Calvary Baptist Church. Burial will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Taylor Mill. Floral Hills Funeral Home, Taylor Mill, is handling arrangements.
Memorials: Calvary Christian School, 5955 Taylor Mill Road, Covington, KY 41015.