GEORGE ELMER WOOD

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GEORGE ELMER WOOD George Wood, 67, of Fort Frances, ON, passed away at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances on Friday, September 7, 2001. George was born November 28, 1933 in Emo, ON, but has been a resident of Fort Frances since he was four. He attended Fort High, then worked at his dads company, the Elmer Wood Oil Company (Texaco distributor), until it closed in 1968. On December 27, 1960, he was united in marriage to the former Gloria Corda. He and Gloria started the Woods Sewing Centre in 1968 and operated it for 33 years. George really enjoyed helping people and his accomplishments as a volunteer in the community are impressive. He was a charter member of the Fort Frances Kinsmen Club with 36 years of perfect attendance. He also was given the Kinsmens highest honour, a life membership and special commendation from founder Hal Rogers. As a Kinsmen, he spearheaded the fundraising for the swimming pool. George also was a member of the Fun in the Sun Committee since its inception and co-chairman for the last 20 years. He loved to volunteer, to flip pancakes, tend bar at beer gardens, and be in the thick of the action. Canada Day (July 1) was a day he looked forward to celebrating. He was involved with his 25th and 40th class reunion as he was one who kept in touch with high school friends. He also worked with the fibromyalga support group. He loved to play sports--football in high school, badminton, curling, hockey, and was pitcher on the Kinsmen softball team. George was named Citizen of the Year in 1992. He was the only person ever nominated by two organizations in the same year. He belonged to the Bingo Association and helped to raise many dollars for community projects. George also belonged to many other organizations and committees throughout his life. George was predeceased by his father Elmer Wood in 1987; mother Hazel Wood in 1998; sister Aleatha DeFrancesco in 1987; brother-in-law Frank Wiley in 1998; and father-in-law Joe Corda in 1999. George is survived by his wife Gloria Wood of Fort Frances, ON; son, Donald Wood and wife, Mona, of Winnipeg, MB; daughter Kathryn and husband Jeff Makl of Kenora, ON; and four grandchildren, Samantha and Travis Makl, and Eric and Lisa Wood. He also is survived by his sister Alvera Wiley of Boiestown, N.B.; three brothers-in-law, John DeFrancesco of Rainy River, ON, and Arnold and Stanley Corda of Winnipeg, MB; sister-in-law Rose and husband Peter Beaubier of Burnaby, B.C.; mother-in-law Katherine Corda of Winnipeg, MB; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 12 at 2:00 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Rev. Marietta Marshall will officiate, with interment in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances. Visitation was held Tuesday, September 11 at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Pallbearers will be George Hanson, Stan Corda, Ted Asselin, Jon Berglund, Dalton Taylor, and Angelo DeFrancesco. Honourary pallbearers will be Samantha Makl, Eric Wood, Travis Makl, and Lisa Wood. Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Riverside Foundation for Health Care, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, ON, P9A 2B7. George will be missed very much by his family and many friends who knew him throughout his life.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2001