Louis (Louie) Arlen Greenwood (1939–2026)

Louis (Louie) Arlen Greenwood, a master craftsman and devoted family man, passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on May 8, 1939, in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Louie moved with his family to Richmond, California, in 1944. Following the early death of his father, Wilson Greenwood (born in 1911 Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, died in 1945 in California), Louie was raised by his mother, Bessie Mae Moore (born in 1914, later married to Reinhart, died in 1989 in California) alongside his siblings, all of whom preceded him in death: Harvey Greenwood (spouse Betty Greenwood), of Alaska; Marion H. (Dick) Greenwood (spouse Mary Ann Mello Greenwood), of West Virginia; Clara Faye (Sis) Jackson (spouse Bill Jackson), of California; Lon (Gus) Greenwood (spouse Barbara Greenwood), of California; Jerald (Jerry) Greenwood (spouse Carmen Greenwood), of California; and Charles Reinhart, of California. [Note: Through genealogical DNA testing late in life, and corroborated by a family member, Clarence E. (Jake) Callen (born in 1905, died in 1983 in Oklahoma) was found to be the biological father of Louis Greenwood.] Louie graduated from Richmond High School, California in 1957. He enrolled in a carpenters apprenticeship program after high school, which led to a career as a carpenter and millwright. He was a long-time member of the California Carpenters Union. Louie married the love of his life, Theresa (Terry) Rehberg, on March 4, 1961. Their children are Shawn Ann Papegaay (partner Peter Kleine), Machel Greenwood (born and died in 1962), Gregory Louis Greenwood (spouse Gregory Gibbs), and Dawn Greenwood Donahue (spouse Timothy Donahue). Grandchildren are Owen Papegaay (father Steven Papegaay), Ian (Ivy) Greenwood, Riley Donahue, and Liam Donahue. They raised their children in Richmond, California (1961-1970) and Fremont, California (1971-2004), and retired in Auburn, California (2004-2026). Louie and Terry spent 54 years together until her passing in 2015. In retirement, Louie transformed their "Greenwood Ranch" in Auburn through his meticulous handiwork and patient design, and Terry's careful eye. He was a steadfast force for his wife, children and grandchildren, teaching them carpentry skills and life lessons in his workshop and on the property. Louie's long career was marked by both professional excellence and family connection. After beginning his career at the Navy shipyard at Mare Island working on nuclear submarines, he spent 34 years at the D.W. Nicholson Corporation in Hayward, California. He rose from a field worker to become the company's Vice President before retiring in 2004. During his time at the corporation, he had the satisfaction of working alongside his nephew, Jerry Leroy Liden (spouse Kim Liden). A special thank you to the following businesses for taking excellent care of Louie during his 22 years in Auburn: Wings Grill & Espresso Bar, Sunrise Café, Auburn Medical Group, Sutter Health (Home Health Services) and Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital and Hospice. In honor of Louie's life of building and service, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity.