GORDON PALMER WOODALL, MD, CD (WOODY)

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GORDON PALMER WOODALL, MD, CD (WOODY) Peacefully, on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at age 78. Beloved husband of his late wife, Donna (nee Parkinson). Woody will be greatly missed by his long time dear friend and loving companion, Barbara Howlett; his loving sons Chris, Kevin (Susan Coristine), and Rick; his sister-in-law Joyce Rich; his brother-in-law Georges Levesque, and his nieces Nicole Levesque and Michelle Levesque. Predeceased by his parents Fred and Marion (nee Palmer), brother-in-law Arthur Rich, and sister-in-law Yvonne Levesque. Woody was born August 16, 1931, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He was the first person in his family to attend university, graduating with distinction in pre-med studies, United College, Winnipeg, 1952. Graduated MD and BSc Med, University of Manitoba, 1957. Graduate studies in ophthalmology at Colby College and Harvard University, appointed FRCS(C) as a specialist in ophthalmology, 1965. Woody joined the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve in 1948, and the regular Navy in 1955. Attained the rank of Surgeon Lieutenant-Commander. He served all over Canada, in San Diego, and in Zweibrucken, West Germany. Re-entering civilian life in 1970, Woody practiced as an ophthalmologist in Oshawa until 1996. He was very active in community life, serving on the board of directors of the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, and the board of directors of the Oshawa Symphony Orchestra. President of the Rotary Club, 1980 to 1981. Woody was a great reader, a keen debater, a student of history, and a passionate fan of the Blue Jays. He loved travelling with Donna, spending winters in Hawaii; and in later years spending summers at Barbara's cottage. A memorial service will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King St. W., (905-721-1234) with visitation from 10:30 a.m. until time of service in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 8. If so desired, memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Rotary Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 05, 2010