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On July 11, 2026, William Kenneth “Kenny” Wood left this earth a much better place for millions of people half a world away. At age 82 he spent the last quarter of his time on this earth sharing the wealth and talent that he had accumulated in the first three quarters of his life. Building Lifetime Well Drilling into a successful business and his passion for harness racing provided him with the resources to change lives.
Ken’s transition from successful businessman and horseman to “Chief Living Water”, as he was known to the African villagers, was much like the conversion of Saul into Saint Paul on the road to Damascus. Although Ken did not prosecute others to the extent Saul did, suffice it to say that if Ken drilled you a well, you were expected to pay him for it.
St Paul’s travels and writings throughout the Mid-East became the foundation for the spread of Christianity. The clean, safe water from the wells drilled by Lifetime Wells International is the life blood for millions. Gone are the days of spending hours trekking miles toting water from disease infested pools of surface water.
Providing water to as many as 800 to 1,300 people, each successful well driven was celebrated by the villagers as if each person involved in its result was some kind of Messiah. To date, over 3,500 wells have been driven and are pumping clean water for over 3.5 million people.
The experience of drilling wells in such a desolate area quickly exposed another health issue affecting the people of Ghana and Tanzania: poor vision and/or blindness. Regardless of how severe an individual’s vision impairment is, restoring clear sight to those unable to see improves their lives significantly. It also improves the lives of their family members. A vision impaired person will no longer need help and guidance from others while moving through activities of daily living. To date, nearly 400,000 people have had clear sight restored thanks to the work of Ken Wood.
Never seeking attention or recognition, Ken’s most common response to praise or recognition was that it was God doing what God does, he was only the facilitator.
I had the opportunity to listen to a presentation by Jane Pauley at a National School Board Conference. She was highlighting certain Americans who were doing good things in the world from a television series she was doing at the time, and one of those people was Kenneth Wood and Lifetime Wells International. As I sat there with fellow school board member Jim Newcomb, I told him I just had to call Ken and let him know (his cell number was one digit different than mine, so easy to remember). A little surprised that he picked up, I told him where I was and that Jane Pauley was profiling him in front of 4,000 people in this huge hall. Being the humble person he was, his response was “oh nice, tell her I said ‘hello.’” As if she was right in front of me, instead of 500 feet away in a cavernous convention hall.
My relationship with Ken was both professional and personal. He served as a member of the board of directors of Provident State Bank at the time when I worked there. I also served with him on the finance council of St Benedicts/St Elizabeths Catholic Church. He had a keen sense of local business, seemed to know everyone and was very charitable in his time and treasure in a very quiet and unassuming way.
Among the comments posted on Ken’s Tribute Wall on Moore Funeral Home’s website, I believe one from Torgbui Agbetsi captures the person that William Kenneth Wood was and what he accomplished during the last quarter of his life.
“For nearly two decades, Ken’s conviction never faded. Year after year, he left the comfort of home and the embrace of his family to return to Ghana, often making the journey at least twice a year. Even as his health became more fragile, his commitment remained remarkably strong. Lifting others, expecting nothing in return.
To those of us privileged to work alongside him, Ken taught us that leadership is found in service, that compassion demands action, and that no obstacle is too great when the purpose is to improve another person's life. He showed us that lasting change is built through humility, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the dignity of every human being. Because of him, we have become better servants, better leaders, and better people.”
Rest in Peace, Ken Wood, knowing the works of your hands have improved the lives of millions. And by the efforts of those you have left behind, millions more will be improved.
