ROY WOOD
June 27, 1920 - July 3, 2013
After a full life and brief illness, Roy passed away with his daughter Pamela at his side on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at the age of 93 years.
Roy Wood, scholar, soldier, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, gentleman, was one smart fella. Born Christian Leroy Wood at Calgary, AB to George and Alice Wood, he did well throughout his school years. His plan to consider a career in pharmacy was interrupted by the Nazis. Roy volunteered and served overseas in the Canadian Army for the full duration of WWII. He was accomplished with the rifle, attaining Dominion Marksman status. He was asked to volunteer as a sniper but ended up in the Canadian Postal Corps, ensuring the boys at the front got their news from home. Like many a young red-blooded Canadian soldier, Roy came home with an English war-bride. He and his beloved Joan never parted company until her death June 4, 2010. Upon return from the war, Roy was offered family farm land west of Crossfield, AB but, having lived through the depression of the 1930's, he declined, believing his petite big-city bride would find the life too harsh. He needed employment and decided to forego further education and took an agricultural position in Calgary, AB with the federal government. Roy eventually rose to Deputy Director – Operations, Weighing Division Agriculture Canada in Winnipeg, MB. He retired in 1977. He and Joan travelled back to England several times, but could not see their old haunts, as most had been demolished by V2 rockets, one of which nearly ended the marriage before it had hardly begun.
Left to cherish Roy’s memory are his sister Joyce (Robert) Kerr; daughter Pamela (Maurice) Blackburn; son-in-law Jack Cronkhite; grandchildren Christel Cronkhite, Charlene Cronkhite, Karen (Curtis) Windatt and Terri (Fabian) Doerksen and of course his great-grandson Jace Windatt, whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his parents; wife Joan; and daughters, Jocelyn (in infancy) and Kay Cronkhite (2012). Also, several Alberta families and their descendants continued to be an important part of Roy’s life. The Kerrs were especially close and he was the best uncle he could be for Marilyn, Linda and John. Other close families included the Farqhuarsons, the Aaskows, the Dahls, the Havens, the Retis, and the Crawfords. Roy was always interested in watching the progression into adulthood of all the children. He was a great story-teller and kept the family past alive for each new generation, while doing his best to ensure the sacrifices of the soldiers of WWII were not forgotten. To listen to him was to learn.
At Roy's request, a simple family Graveside Service was held in the St. James Cemetery, Winnipeg, MB where he was laid to rest beside Joan. The casket was “christened” with his favourite Scotch prior to burial.
Donations in Roy’s name made to CNIB or the Royal Canadian Legion are welcomed.
The family shares the sentiment from Roy’s niece Marilyn:
“I always had a profound respect for the gentleman he always was.
May he rest in peace for eternity and live forever in our fondest memories, of a life well lived.”
We all shall miss him; however, those with whom he is now re-united are surely happy to see him again.
Wojcik’s
FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
2157 PORTAGE AVENUE
204 – 897 - 4665
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
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