Howard William Wood

Howard William Wood, 91, of Woodstock Ontario, passed away peacefully at Woodstock Hospital on January 14, 2025. A devoted family man, passionate teacher, and cherished member of his community, Howard's remarkable journey came to an end, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and inspiration. Howard was born on September 2, 1933, in Woodstock to Elizabeth (Fisher) and Arthur B.P. Wood. He attended Woodstock Collegiate Institute. After starting work at York Knitting Mills with the intention of becoming a tool and die maker, in 1950 he changed gears and accepted a job at Standard Tube. While there, he became a highly skilled welder, eventually moving into management and finally sales. His analytical mind enabled him to solve problems that seemed unsolvable, even to professional engineers. He could fix almost anything. Howard married the love of his life, and best friend Patricia (Dafoe) of Woodstock, on February 25, 1956. The two first bonded over their mutual love of roller skating. During the first year of their marriage, they built their own house on Catherine Street. In the early 1960s their family was made complete with the addition of two children: Bob and Julie. Howard was a proud and loving father. Over many winters he would flood the back yard to create a skating rink for the kids. He also built go-karts, coached Bob's hockey team, and never missed one of Julie's piano recitals or band concerts. He could always be counted on for fatherly advice, a listening ear, or a helping hand. His generosity knew no bounds. In 1969, Howard attended the University of Western Ontario where he completed his teaching certification. Later, he went back to Western part-time and earned his B.A. degree (1981) He spent the majority of his teaching career at H.B. Beal Secondary School, in London, where he became the head of the welding and plumbing department. Howard loved mentoring his students and setting them up for success. By utilizing his contacts in industry, he placed many students into apprenticeship programs. He was also involved in intramural athletics and enjoyed running the floor hockey program. He felt it was important to get to know his students outside of the classroom and, in return, they loved his unorthodox approach to teaching. Over the years of their marriage, Howard and Pat took up ballroom dancing, bridge, and golf. They enjoyed several cruises and also traveled extensively in their motorhome. Eventually, they purchased a winter getaway in Sarasota, Florida. Through these pursuits they made many close, lasting friendships. Howard's passion for teaching led him, along with his wife, to teach bridge and line dancing. He was a kind, patient instructor who could instill the joy of learning in his students. He was also a lifelong learner and could speak intelligently about almost every era of history and every technological innovation. He often expressed an interest to go back to school to study engineering. Howard's smile lit up any room he entered, and people were naturally drawn to his warm, welcoming personality. He looked for the good in people and was always ready to lend a hand or share a joke. He lived life to the fullest and especially loved spending time with his family, friends, and his beloved dog, Cassie.

Howard was preceded in death by his son Robert (Bob), and grandson Trevor. He is survived by his wife Patricia and daughter Julie Wood of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren Lisa Robertson (Brad), Suzanne, and Christopher (Sabrina) and many great-grandchildren; sister Lillian Pretty, sister Florence Blakely, brother Donald Wood, sister Harriet Gofton (Bill), brother Kenneth, sister Eleanor Wood and sister-in-law Marylou Larche; and many nieces and nephews. Howard's spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. 

Friends will be received at the Brock and Visser Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock on Wednesday, January 22 from 1pm-2pm. A funeral service will take place at 2pm in the funeral home chapel with a reception to follow. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Woodstock Hospital – Critical Care Unit.  https://whfoundation.ca/donate-now/