ALEXANDER WALTER WOOD

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ALEXANDER WALTER WOOD June 23, 1925-October 17, 2012 In the early hours of October 17, 2012 after a lengthy and courageous battle with dementia Dad peacefully left us to join Mom. Dad was born Alexander Walter Wood on June 23, 1925 in Regina, Saskatchewan. He was one of four children born to John and Grace Wood. Dad was exposed to the railway from an early age as his father John worked in the north end CN shops of Regina. It was an exposure that would turn into a lifetime passion for Dad. Being a Saskatchewan boy he also developed a lifetime passion for cheering on his beloved Roughriders. He enjoyed the opportunity to accompany his son Tom to Bomber games but of course was decked out in his Saskatchewan greens. Dad left Regina as a young man and was hired on with the Canadian National Railway as a relief agent-operator. This led him to travel quite extensively among many small prairie railway communities throughout his career. One such community he arrived in was Gilbert Plains, Manitoba where he met an attractive young woman that stole his heart. Dad married our Mom, Margaret Donalda Hart on September 13, 1947. In 1948 while stationed in Dauphin, Manitoba, they were blessed with the arrival of their son Thomas (Tom). Life with a young son continued to be quite nomadic as the family lived in numerous stations and even a box car for a short period of time. In 1957 they were blessed once more with the birth of their daughter Diane while living in Kipling, Saskatchewan. By this time life for the station agent and his family had become a little more stable. In 1959 Dad moved the family from Kipling to Kelwood, Manitoba. During the years in Kelwood Dad was very active in the local curling club and enjoyed sharing this pastime with his son Tom. When Dad wasn't at the station you could often find him down at the rink or attending a bonspiel in one of the nearby towns. Dad served on the local church board and there are many lingering memories of times spent at church picnics. In his spare time Dad was an avid gardener; the long driveway to the station was always neatly lined with petunias and white washed rocks. The attractive garden drew numerous onlookers. Dad also painted houses and many of the signs that marked the routes to local parks. Dad served on the local hall committee, supervised hall dances and was the projectionist for the town's Saturday night movies. Despite all of his other commitments he also served on the volunteer fire department. When the family moved on to live in the town of Plumas, Manitoba Dad and Mom joined the Lions and Lionelles which took them on many outings and conventions. Dad continued to be an avid curler and supporter of the town curling club. While in Plumas Dad volunteered at the skating rink, again served on the volunteer fire department and coached the girls' baseball team. There were annual family trips to Regina followed later by camping trips to Clear Lake in the family's little trailer. After Tom moved to the city, Winnipeg became a frequent destination to visit. When the railway began to close rural stations Dad was moved to the WI office in Winnipeg. This soon led to Dad and Mom moving to St. Vital and buying a house that they would call home for 28 years. While working at the WI office Dad became very involved with the railway union. He and Mom enjoyed the opportunity of traveling to Montreal as a result of this involvement. After a few years of working hot box, where train wheels were monitored for any signs of trouble via computer print outs, Dad decided it was time to take early retirement. Unsure of what to do with all his time Dad decided to take on a part-time position in security at a local K-Mart. This kept him busy until he eventually decided he was tired of chasing shoplifters across the parking lot on a routine basis. Dad became active in his community once again while residing in Winnipeg. He became more political and could often be seen canvassing or driving signs into lawns throughout the neighbourhood. He often tagged or sold tickets on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's and St. Amant to name a few. Dad's interest in helping out at the Alzheimer's Society was prompted by watching his mother battle the disease for approximately 20 years. Dad was adamant that he never wanted to see his family have to experience this. However, Dad would in fact be diagnosed with dementia later in life. Life in the city never changed Dad's enjoyment of gardening or being outdoors. He could often be found walking through the neighbourhood park and enjoyed all the yard work that came along with the arrival of his favourite season each fall. Through the years Dad also always enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside his son-in-law Jack whether it be on building and painting a new fence, doing minor home renovations or planting and watering their large, shared gardens. During Dad and Mom's time in the city they discovered the joy of being grandparents and later great-grandparents. This joy was evident to all by the way Grandpa's face lit up every time a grandchild came through the door to visit or greeted him with a Hi Grandpa! and a hug. Whether it was pulling the sled, tossing the ball, attending special activities or eagerly volunteering to drive them from place to place through the years, Grandpa always had a way of showing that his grandkids were of the utmost importance to him. There was never a doubt that he wanted the very best for each of his grandchildren and he was devoted to taking care of them anyway he could. Although he wasn't always a man of many words, the quiet time spent sitting with Dad/Grandpa holding his warm hands, especially during some of his later health challenges was greatly cherished. His stories, hugs and smiles will be greatly missed but fondly remembered! In later years Dad became an active volunteer with the Prairie Dog Central Railway. He served as a porter on train runs and could otherwise be found with a paintbrush in hand sprucing up one of the vintage railway cars. Dad enjoyed his time reliving his younger years of being a railroader, as well as the companionship of the other volunteers he met from all walks of life. He also enjoyed reminiscing with fellow railroaders at Thursday morning coffee at the mall. Dad began showing signs of early dementia and strokes in both 2003 and 2004 hastened the process. Mom provided selfless care for Dad with the support of family, home care respite and day programs. Eventually out of necessity and with the help of two dedicated social workers, Dad moved onto Tower 3 at Deer Lodge Centre in July 2007. Initially Dad came home most Sundays for supper and Mom enjoyed joining him for outings, as well as making special treats to take him on visits. After 61 years of marriage Mom passed away in November 2008. Although Dad did not always recall her passing one could tell that he was missing her. At times as he travelled through the many places in his mind that the dementia took him he'd ask where she was. Dad remained mobile and fairly spry until this past year. He was still able to come home for family dinners or go out to family celebrations. In 2009 he donned his tuxedo to attend grandson Thomas' marriage to Chantale. It was hard to convince him it was time to go home that night as he was delighted with the company around him and by watching his grandchildren dance the night away! Since November 2011 Dad seemed to have one challenge after another and although he battled through each one with determination he lost more ground each time. However, he never lost his strength, his ability to understand us or to make decisions. Dad was predeceased by his parents John and Grace Wood, his in-laws Thomas and May Hart, his sister Marg and her husband Ed, his sister Melissa (Dot) and husband Alec, as well as niece Grace Hicton. Dad will be sadly missed by son Tom, daughter Diane and son-in-law Jack, brother George and sister-in-law Pat. He will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren Lisanne, Jennifer (Paul), Sierra, Steven, Karilee (Rick) and Thomas (Chantale), as well as great-grandchildren Taryn, Morgan, Marley, Charlie, Jessica, Michelle and Tyler. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews (who fondly call him Uncle Bud), cousins, friends and their respective families. We would like to acknowledge many people who touched Dad's life in various ways. Thank you to: His T3 family at Deer Lodge for being our angels in taking care of Dad's needs and supporting him and us through the good times and the tough times. Having him all dressed in his Roughrider greens on game day did not go unnoticed (we won't name names but you know how special you were to Dad and us). Thank you to the team of physio, O.T. and dietary staff, as well as to the 3E staff who cared for Dad during some acute illnesses. T3 Recreation for providing Dad, fellow clients and their families wonderful opportunities for activities and outings. You kept minds stimulated and days more exciting. The social workers who supported Dad and our family, as well as the day program staff at Lion's Manor and St. Vital Y. Caring friends and neighbours who helped out and kept a watchful eye when Dad still lived at home. Friend Leona who visited and took Dad out for coffee while he was home and continued to visit him regularly at Deer Lodge for lunch, activities and trips outdoors. Dr. P. G. Mehta, Dr. Strang, Dr Omelan and Dr. Hazdan for their care through the years. To our friends, family, colleagues and other T3 families who supported us on our journey with our Dad and Grandpa. Your kindness and understanding will never be forgotten. As per Dad's wishes there will be no memorial service. Cremation will take place and a private family interment will occur at a later date. Thank you to Scott and Daryl at Glen Lawn Funeral and Memorial Gardens for their compassionate and helpful assistance during this difficult time. In memory of Dad's community activism please extend a kindness to someone in need. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Special Care Unit Tower 3 at Deer Lodge Centre or to the Alzheimer's Society. In reminiscing and sharing thoughts, Dad's brother George shared these words: Al was a depression kid and through the experience of that time he grew to be tough, wiry and resilient. Of that time as well was born his social conscience which served him well throughout his life in service to others, whether through his work with the union or volunteering with a variety of service organizations or his beloved Prairie Dog. Your long journey is over, rest in peace Dear Brother, Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa. You will be deeply missed, loved and remembered always! Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2012