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DAVID WOOD Our Dear David died on January 12, 2016 in the Antarctic, living the life he dreamed, full of adventure and living each day as it comes. He played to a unique tune and quietly made his way into the hearts of so many people throughout the world. Stories about Dave are as numerous as they are varied and outrageous. He was a forest-fire and exploration helicopter pilot for over 30 years with a reputation for great skill and meticulous care. People often felt a sense of relief when they heard the distinctive sound of his 204 in the distance. He flew in the Arctic, South America, China, Indonesia, Australia and the Antarctic, often with his keyboard and espresso machine tucked behind his seat. He graduated from St. John's Ravenscourt at 16, obtained a Queen's Commerce degree (while living in his beloved VW van, and spending most of his time in the darkroom and learning music), then travelled around the world for four years. He trained as a helicopter pilot in the Yukon in 1981, and never looked back. Barefoot as often as possible, he had a love of monstrous bonfires, fixing all things mechanical and playing multiple instruments, especially piano. Dave lit up the room with his humour, great stories, his breadth and depth of knowledge, and his interest in what everyone had to say. He was thoughtful, kind, sweet, tough. Things were just better when David was around. But it was his four children and wife who brought him his greatest joy. They were the foundation from which David could go out into the world with confidence. David is survived by his loving family, wife Mary, children Alex, Alastair, Amory and Manny. Predeceased by his father, Peter Wood, survived by his mother Jane (Bull), his sister Allison (Bruno), his brothers Peter (Colleen) and Tony. He will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews - Courtenay, Andrew, David, Yash, Fen, Amelia, Abigail, Olivia and Marta; cousins, extended family, colleagues and many friends from around the world. A service will be held on Saturday, February 6 at 2:00 p.m. at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church in Winnipeg, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Winnipeg Harvest.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 23, 2016
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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My sympathy to all the family. David was the nicest, kindest man I have ever met. He welcomed me to the beach when I moved there as a widow in 2002. He will never be forgotten. Tamara Wetherall - Posted by: Tamara Wetherall (Friend) on: Jan 14, 2024
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1971, the lake community that stretched from Matlock to Gimli.......man I miss those simple summer days. We met David through his sister Allison, who often hosted a few of us rogue Sandy "Hookers" to tennis on the green, a Stephenson Point walkabout and the infamous "Fivers". As young teens, we looked to David for a sense of direction, a sober second thought as we all well remember, and the kind of teenage leadership that truly resonated with all of us. The spiritual magic of The Point offered many a long week-end discussion. We covered many South Interlake topics; from shoreline erosion to nutrient loading of this historic body of water, and David always expressed a solid case. David remains a friend and a will be remembered with fond memories of our foundation and socialization on these shores. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Jane and Craig Mackie (Interlake Friends) on: Feb 06, 2016
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Having spent childhood and now adult summers at "The Point", knowing intimately the community there and every person in the fabric of that wonderous place, I am so sad that the most important person carrying on the legacy is no longer with us. David over the years was a curly haired brat to put up with, then a teen I hardly knew and finally the man my sister and I adored. When Kate and I took over "Rafters" 9 year ago, David was there, hammer in hand, completing our verandah in one week! Stacked wood appeared by the shed, a helping hand started fires in a cold spring cottage, repairs to leaky faucets. All jobs accompanied with a jolly laugh and promises of beer on the deck. What a loving man he was. Kate and I will miss him. Rest in peace dear friend. - Posted by: Carol Stephens (Friend and neighbour at the lake) on: Jan 30, 2016
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I had the pleasure of meeting Dave through our common friend, Jay, who also worked closely with Dave during the Yukon summers. I have lived in the Yukon for several years. When Jay and I had dinner or a beer together, Dave would sometimes join us. It was always a treat. He was always so gracious, kind, generous, and interested in what was going on in the lives of others. I looked forward to Jay and Dave's visit to the Yukon each summer. I feel very sad that I won't see him again. It was easy to be around Dave. Fun. I know I am one of several Yukoners thinking of Dave and his family at this difficult time. He was a gem. I am very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Tammy Reis (Friend) on: Jan 26, 2016
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I also knew Dave from SJR. I had very little direct contact with him after then but heard of his adventures and travels from my next-door neighbor at the lake. They were close friends. Anytime I wanted to be taken away from the normal day to day I would ask, “What is Dave up to?” I told my neighbor after, that his tales reminded me of the exploits of Indiana Jones. I did see Dave ten yours ago when he bought my mother’s grand piano. It needed lots of repair. He said he was just going to take it apart and rebuild it; with the same matter of fact tone that some one would have saying they were going to change a light bulb. Heartfelt sympathies to all the family for your loss. - Posted by: Hugh Malcolmson (grade school friend) on: Jan 26, 2016
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We have very fond memories travelling with our lil Wizards Basketball family and the late nights post game enjoying David's wonderful sense of humour and relaxed demeanor. David was an amazing father and role model ;always so accepting of others and so proud of his children and their talents and achievements. Such a wonderful person taken too soon from all who had the privilege to know him! All our love to Mary, Amory and Manny- we are here for you! xoxo - Posted by: Kyliuk Family ("Coach Ken" Karen , Colby and Connor) (friends) on: Jan 25, 2016
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I met Dave in the early grades at SJR and developed a friendship that was further cemented by proximity of our family cottages in Matlock and Winnipeg Beach. I have fond memories of childhood sleepovers and in later years, snowmobiling at the lake after which our adult years took us in different directions and we crossed paths only occasionally, usually at the lake. After not having seen each other for about 22 years, I was delighted when Dave arrived in Kelowna this past summer and we managed to get together for a few hours to catch up and share some laughs and memories. I was greatly saddened to learn of Dave's passing and I extend my sincere sympathy to all the family for your loss. - Posted by: Scott A. McPherson (Old friend) on: Jan 23, 2016