Obituary of Robert John Woods
Robert John Woods
(October 15, 1921 - January 25, 2024)
Robert (Bob) John Woods of Camrose passed away peacefully on January 25th, 2024 at the age of 102 after a life well lived.
Bob was born on October 15, 1921 in Sibbald Alberta to Gertie and John Woods. The second of five children, he spent his first twelve years on the farm at Sibbald. After some lean years during the Great Depression, the family moved to the Camrose area.
At the urging of his father, Bob continued his schooling in Camrose and then attended Olds Agricultural College on a scholarship. He returned to the farm after college and farmed in partnership with his dad until 1971, when his dad passed.
He met Laura Berg in 1945, who was teaching at New Salem school near the Woods homestead, and on July 27, 1947 they were married at Camrose United Church. Together they raised three daughters: Evelyn, Loretta, and Adele.
Farming was Bob’s passion and his Shorthorn cattle were his pride and joy. He was dedicated to the land and the agriculture industry. Many memories were made showing 4-H calves and travelling to cattle shows on the Fair Circuit.
Throughout his years he was involved in many community organizations, often in leadership roles. He was recognized with numerous awards, although he would be the first to downplay his own achievements to recognize the contributions of others.
His love for baseball followed him throughout his life; first playing as a young man, then later becoming an avid Blue Jays fan. Watching the Blue Jays on TV was a favourite pastime during his retirement years.
He had an unwavering faith and was a dedicated member of Camrose United Church where he also served on the Board and as a Trustee. In his retirement, Bob was a regular in the church choir on Sundays even though he never learned to read music. The life of the church was a very important part of Bob and Laura’s life, and many great friends and memories were made during their active years there.
In addition to singing in the church choir, Bob also lent his voice and love of music to the Barbershop chorus and the Golden Tones. His extensive collection of cassettes, CDs and DVD’s was a testament to this love. He often took a good-natured ribbing from his grandchildren over his music tastes when they visited and he was watching the Lawrence Welk show! Even in Bethany the caregiver staff could often hear Bob singing in his room as they went about their day. Bob also loved to dance, and together, he and Laura were regulars at Old Timers over the years.
Bob was a true family man, whether it was his own daughters, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, he took great interest in their activities and always encouraged their participation.
Bob loved the written word and whether it was the Grainews or the Booster, he was always reading and often passing on some wisdom to family members. In his later years, he meticulously recorded and wrote “Stories from My Past” and it was recently published for future generations to enjoy.
Bob was a humble, gentle soul who was dearly loved by many. He will always be remembered as a great man and well respected friend.
He will be lovingly remembered by daughters Evelyn (Maurice) Campeau, Loretta (Gerry) Winia, and Adele Gunderson; grandchildren Mark (Jaki) Campeau, Paul (Carly) Campeau, Nicole Campeau (Jared), Greg (Jody) Campeau, Karin Winia (Brad), Ryan (Stacey) Winia, Meghan Gunderson (Zach), and Darcy (Kirsten) Gunderson; fourteen great-grandchildren; his sisters Helen Pilger and Merle Fadum; as well as many members of his extended family.
Bob was predeceased by his wife Laura; his sisters Ruth Woods and Jean Kennedy; grandson Robert Campeau; and son-in-law Terry Gunderson.
A Funeral Service was held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Camrose United Church, 4829 - 50 Street Camrose officiated by Rev. Helen Reed. A recording of the service is available for viewing at the following link: https://vimeo.com/910639941/f82d4b876b?share=copy
If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Bob's memory are gratefully accepted to the Camrose United Church Memorial Fund or the Hospice Society of Camrose and District.
