Condolence: As a member of Bear River Class of 1963, I (Janet Thompson Cook) was saddened to learn of the passing of Sherwood Bridges. I had the opportunity to fall in love with chemistry under his fabulous tutelage! I was not the only one. Out of a graduating class of 155 students, two went on to earn PhDs in chemistry because his enthusiastic, inspiring teaching. (I actually began my first year at USU intending to major in chemistry, but became sidetracked with vocal music performance and ended up with a degree in education and music.)

I want Sherwood's family to know what an inspired teacher he was. Each day in his class was fun and magical as he guided us to appreciated the beauty of the science of chemistry. I was thrilled for him and your family when I learned that he left Bear River after ten years, going on to teach at universities; but I was saddened to know that a genius of a science teacher was no longer inspiring obnoxious teenagers to become fascinated with chemistry.

It was wonderful to read about the other beautiful accomplishments of Sherwood Bridges life. Teenagers are oblivious to the lives their teachers live outside of class. I am not surprised that he inspired many to LOVE the Gospel of Jesus Christ, just as he inspired us in school.

I do regret that I never tracked him down while he was alive to tell him "Thank You!" I hope you will share my message with his children and grandchildren. What a wonderful man, beloved by many for many different reasons!

Condolence: We are truly saddened to learn of Sherwood's passing and extend our condolences to Ann and family. We will miss him.
We remember, with fondness, the times we had together serving in the Midland Michigan Stake. Sherwood always had a smile and also was quite a tease. It wasn't hard to tell he loved his Savior and the Gospel.
We will keep all of you in our prayers and wish you all the best during these difficult times.
Love, Brooke and LaPriel

Condolence: Tom and I moved next door to Sherwood and Ann in Michigan, and they took us under their wing. He was our Bishop and dear friend. I remember when he voiced his opinion on sports (waste of time, etc.), then his daughters' basketball standard fell on his car. It was like pay-back. One time they were to be gone for a week, so I fed their "adopted" cat, Buster, in their garage. When they returned, the cat was so constipated, they had to pay the vet over $100 to get him "normal". Sherwood never liked that cat, and that made it worse! He will be sorely missed, but my memories of him will always be with me. A very knowledgeable man with the gospel. When my husband, Tom, became the next Bishop, Sherwood and Ann were there for us. I love these two wonderful and kind people.

Condolence: I do not remember seeing Sherwood a single time that he did not make me smile. He was always quick with a quip, or a great story, or some timely and good advice. I know that he loved the Lord because of the many ways he served others throughout his life. We miss you, good brother, and look forward to seeing you on the other side!

Condolence: I was saddened to hear about Sherwood’s passing. He meant a lot to me and so many others. Pardon me while I reminisce a little bit. About a year after I joined the church and graduated from High School, I moved to Mt. Pleasant, MI to attend CMU. The Bridges were one of the first families I met. Sherwood became my mentor and model of a Mormon Dad. He and Ann became good friends. One time they were bringing me back home after Church and the Dorm was on fire. I was panicking worrying that my genealogy was going up in smoke. Ann and Sherwood just calmly took me home with them until the excitement died down. Later, when Nancy and I got married Sherwood was the Bishop. We were building a church building at that time. He called us into his office and told us he needed $1000 from us for our share. We were college students and that was a lot of money at that time. That is about the total of money we received in gifts from our wedding, so we turned it over to him. That was all we had but we trusted in his inspiration. Looking back that was one of the best decisions we ever made and our lives have been enriched as he taught us to consecrate our lives to the Savior. Sherwood always challenged me. I remember one time when teaching institute he told me that John Taylor was excommunicated from the Church. I was flabbergasted until I found out it was John W. Taylor, son of the prophet-not the prophet. Sherwood just laughed. Although he called me Maytag because I was always agitating, he was really the “ant hill kicker”. He loved to stir up things and watch everyone scurry around! When we were to have a new Stake President and someone implied he was a good candidate, he said he was going to find the biggest cigar he could find and would pace back and forth in front of the Stake President’s house with it! Sherwood was always there for me whenever I needed to borrow a tool or needed advice on some matter. I borrowed his drywall knife so many times that he said he would give it to me when he no longer needed it—and he mailed it to me a few years ago! It has just the right amount of spring to that blade! He is also responsible for one of my most embarrassing moments. After our wedding, our car broke down and pre-empted our honeymoon. So we arrived back in Michigan earlier than expected and right from the podium in Sacrament meeting he asked why we were there—I blurted out we had technical difficulties and it brought down the house with laughter. I still blush on that one. Ann’s impact is no less in my life as she quietly mentored me when we served together in the Stake and a myriad of other events and callings. I will always consider Sherwood and Ann to be my special friends…..

Condolence: It’s been years since I’ve had the privilege of seeing Sherwood, but his legacy has impacted my life forever. It is because of him that I have the gospel in my life. He was always there for me and my family, rooting us on and telling us he was “well pleased” with us. I’ll never forget his smile, and his positive and cheery outlook on life. Rumor has it, I used to hide out of shyness, and peer around the corner, when he came to home teach our family. Little did he know at the time, that he would grow to be one of my heroes. My family, including future generations, will be forever blessed because of him and his amazing family. Thinking of you all, and sending my love

Condolence: Words are inadequate to convey what an influence Sherwood (and his lovely wife) had in my family’s life. Mine was one of the lucky families he home taught--for 12 years! And I could probably count on one hand the months he missed in all that time. We never had to wonder who to call if one of us needed a blessing. He was my personal library.....arriving each month with a fresh supply of books. It’s because of him that I love church history so much. He not only got me and my growing family back to church, but he and Ann Marie convinced me to go back to school and get a degree. He recently reminded me that I’m not finished, because I never got my Master’s. But that is what he did--always encouraged me to be better. Yet, at the same time, he always helped me feel good about myself. He taught me to be positive and to count my blessings. He and Ann Marie were always available when I needed a pep talk, help with a school project or guidance with a church calling, etc. Some Sherwoodisms that I still repeat to myself or others: “Do you trust Him [Heavenly Father]?" Stay off the panic button. In a thousand years, it won’t matter. It’s a perfect church made up of imperfect people.”

I will always be thankful for the opportunity to know this beautiful, wonderful family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Condolence: Sherwood was sort of my “Church dad” growing up. Sherwood was assigned as my mom’s home teacher before I was born. My mom is not only active in the church again because of him, but she is one is the strongest I know and it’s in huge part to Sherwood’s example. Anne and Sherwood were like family, always looking out for us, and he performed our baby blessings, baptism, as other Patriarchal blessings when we were in need. I can’t imagine my life without the gospel and I’ve always felt as though I owe that to the Bridges. I have a testimony of home teaching and visiting teaching because of him and I hope to always have the kind of faith, love for others, and enthusiasm for life and for the gospel the way Sherwood did. He will be greatly missed, but what an amazing legacy he leaves behind. Anne you are in my prayers. ❤️

Condolence: We were saddened to hear that our former Mt Pleasant Bishop is no longer with us. We have warm memories of his care and kindness. And he will continue to do so in his next sphere of influence. The Bridges family has a special place in our hearts. ❤️

Condolence: We will always cherish our friendship with our dear Sherwood and Ann during their years in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Sherwood always had a warm, hearty smile and welcome for all whom he met. New Year’s Day morning has never been the same since they left. So many wonderful memories of these two great people! Love and our condolences to Ann and her family.