The California Renaissance Pleasure Faire community has lost one of its most beloved figures with the passing of Will Wood this week. For decades, Will enchanted thousands of faire-goers as the legendary Sir Francis Drake at the original Renaissance Pleasure Faire and as the ethereal Father Christmas at the Great San Francisco Dickens Christmas Fair. His retirement to care for his beloved wife, Robin, just before the pandemic marked the end of an era for California's living history scene.
I first encountered Will in 1990, fresh off the boat from the UK at age 24, when I began working for Living History Center's chief instigator, Phyllis Patterson, in her redwood home nestled in the oak-studded hills of Black Point, Novato. The house, with its big windows overlooking San Francisco Bay where it meets the Petaluma River, served as headquarters for a vibrant creative community. Will had his own book-lined office within this artistic sanctuary, where crew meetings and famous Wednesday breakfasts brought together the eclectic mix of dreamers and doers who made the Renaissance Faire magic possible.
Coming from the stuffy buildings and formal attire of UK journalism and NHS public relations, this was a revelation. I traded skirt suits and brogues for sundresses and sandals, immersing myself in a world where creativity and authenticity reigned supreme. Will, with his genuine old-fashioned respect, dubbed me "the British Woman" – a title that made me feel both welcomed and special among the thousands of Elizabethan-English speaking performers.
(Photo Will Wood as Sir Francis Drake and Frances Rivetti reconnecting at Marin County Fair)
Will embodied the essence of a well-dressed California gentleman: bearded and thoughtful, rotating through an impressive collection of handmade Hawaiian-style shirts in seasonal fabrics, paired with khaki shorts and Birkenstocks. He possessed the intellect, sophistication, and historical knowledge befitting the finest of actors, yet remained approachable and generous with his time and wisdom.
His personal library became a treasure trove for me as I began writing press releases for various events. Will would thoughtfully recommend books that would deepen my understanding of the historical periods we were bringing to life. His portrayal of Sir Francis Drake was nothing short of legendary – a perfect blend of historical accuracy and theatrical flair. Off-stage, he was quiet and contemplative, but in the streets of the faire, he transformed into a dynamic presence that captivated audiences.
Perhaps most magical of all was his embodiment of Victorian Father Christmas at the Dickens Fair. Tall and distinguished in his crimson and fir robe, he moved through the shadowy, gaslit streets of recreated Victorian London like he had stepped out of a Dickens novel himself. One of my most cherished memories is of the annual staff Christmas party at Phyllis's house. All the children, including my toddler son Rocco, would huddle in the kitchen, listening for Father Christmas's arrival on the roof. As the lights dimmed and candles flickered, their eyes grew wide with wonder. Then Will would enter in a slow, ceremonial procession with the Yule Log, to be lit in the fireplace – pure theater that created genuine wonder.
Through my enduring friendship with Will's daughter Shannon and her family, I was blessed to keep up with news of Will's life in retirement. He remained the gentle soul who had given so much to the arts and to California's rich counter-culture community of faire-goers and history enthusiasts.
Will Wood's legacy lives on in the countless memories he created, the historical knowledge he shared, and the magic he brought to life weekend after weekend, year after year. Though we mourn his passing, I know that somewhere in the eternal Sky Faire, Will continues to wander the lanes, greeting fellow travelers with his hearty "Well met!" His spirit of wonder, knowledge, and theatrical joy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Well met, dear friend. Until we meet again.
Comments