Obituary of Donald James Wood

WOOD, Donald James (November 23, 1928 - June 13, 2020) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Wood at the age of 91. Don is survived by his loving wife Emily. Beloved father to Suzanne, Don (Karen) and Jim (Elaine). Cherished grandfather to Dean, Michael and Nicole. Don was born in Belmont Ontario, to parents Clayton and Emily Wood. He grew up on a farm with seven siblings. The love of farming and handyman work was instilled in him at a very young age. In early 1948 he met the love of his life Emily Rose Stevens, while at a dance hall. He said to his friend that same night, “I am going to marry this beautiful gal.” They were married on November 6th, 1948 and were soulmates for 71 wonderful years. Don started his career in Brantford as a master carpenter apprentice. At age 19, he joined Massey Ferguson (MF) as a shop floor sweeper. Management realized his potential early on and he was quickly elevated to foreman. He was later promoted to General Manager of the new combine plant in Brantford. Don would walk the plant floor daily and knew all the employees by name. In 1972 the family moved to Mississauga, where Don headed up the MF Toronto operations. He was later promoted to General Manager for Canadian operations. Don retired from Massey Ferguson after thirty-five years of service. His leadership and dedication were commendable. After “retiring” Don and Emily moved back to Brantford in 1985. Don quickly launched his next career as a handyman and landscaper. They also became proud members of Sydenham United Church and Don took on many leadership roles within the church. Don also volunteered for 5 years as a Merchant Marine in the Canadian Navy and was a Mason for many years. His hobbies included camping, golfing, fishing, hunting, boating, woodworking projects and traveling extensively with Emily. They spent many winters in Lakeland Florida, took numerous cruises and trips to Cuba and the Caribbean. Don was extremely talented and could fix and build just about anything. He wasn’t shy to lend a hand and take a leadership role to get the job done. His gift of creating many beautiful wooden items over the years, will be cherished by all of us who were fortunate enough to receive them. He made them with LOVE. Thank you to the doctors and nurses on C-7 at Brantford General Hospital, for your wonderful care and compassion. As an expression of sympathy and his devotion to the Church, donations in his memory can be made to Sydenham United Church. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be announced once COVID restrictions are lifted. Funeral arrangements are entrusted with HILL and ROBINSON FUNERAL HOME and CREMATION CENTRE, 30 Nelson St. Brantford, 519-752-2543. Rest in peace with God. We love and will miss you dearly.