Obituary

Surrounded by the love of his family, Russel Woods slipped away, in his 96th year, in the place he called home since 1951, at Simpson Corners (Belwood). Loved husband and dance partner of Betty (Hurd) for almost 72 years, and loved and respected father of Larry (d. 2011), Bill and Jack. Second dad to Sally, Rosemary and BJ. Treasured Grampa of Matthew and Haley, Adam and Julie, Ryan and Lauren, Robyn and Chris Wilkinson, Kyly and Roger Miller, Tristan and Kayla (Clements), Kelly, and Abby (Kyle McKinnon). Proud Great Grampa Russel of Aspen, Reagan, Kaisley, Leah, Laughlin, Bryden, Lennon, Brooklyn, Leighton, Garrett and baby-to-come Wilkinson. In his own words at their 70th anniversary party when introducing the family “and I begot them all!!!” Russel was born on the 10th line of East Garafraxa to Viola (Johnson) and Leyton Woods, just up the road from the home built by his great grandparents when they emigrated from Ireland. He is predeceased by brother Johnson (Ruby), sister Shirley (Alex Ross) and sister-in-law Emily. He is survived by younger brother and forever friend Murray (Janet). He was the patriarch of the William Woods family and is also remembered fondly by an extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews. Russel lived life to the fullest and frequently used expressions grounded in his Irish sense of humour. He was a farmer with vision, mechanic and Lancaster bomber tail gunner in WWII. He was a founding member of Chicken Farmers of Ontario and a longtime director of Peel Maryborough (now Edge) Insurance. He was a proud member of the Conservative Party and the Fergus Legion. Russel played softball in his early days, then enjoyed curling and golf (sometimes in the same day) well into his late 80’s. He was a rum-and-coke lover, world traveler, dedicated Ford driver, Rotary and Probus participant, master euchre and bridge player, accomplished jive dancer, knowledgeable boater, prolific vegetable gardener, generous benefactor, chauffeur, fun lover, and a great friend to many. Russel chose to leave this life on his own terms and enjoyed the visits and calls from his family and friends during the past couple of weeks. He will be missed terribly and remembered with love. Special Thanks to Dr. John Stickney for his care and compassion over many years, and the nurses of St. Elizabeth for their competent and caring assistance over the past month. Cremation has taken place arranged by Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel, Guelph. Donations in Russel’s memory may be made to Groves Hospital Foundation, 131 Frederick Campbell Street, Fergus N1M 0H3. (519-843-2010 x 47701) A family gathering will be held in the spring to spread Russel’s ashes on the land that he loved so much.