Donald George James Wood

With deep love and respect we are saddened to announce that our dear father Donald George James Wood passed gently with his loving family by his side on July 22, 2026.  Don was in his 86^th year.

Don was a devoted family man and beloved husband to the late Madge Wood, cherished father of Heather and husband Eric, Jennifer and husband Lonnie, loving grandfather to David and Kaitlyn.

Dear brother to Laurie and wife Marie, and brother-in-law to Rosemary and husband George (predeceased).  Dear uncle to Darren (Stacey) and Ryan, Glenn (Natka) and Diana (Matt).  Dear great uncle to Xander & Rylyn, Emerson and Emma & Lauren and fondly known as Grandpa Don to Henry, Eric, Hannah, Lindsay, Jordan & Macey, Ruby & Henry.

Don was loving son to Albert and Sarah Wood (predeceased) and will be lovingly remembered by numerous other family members and friends.

Born at the Reilly homestead on the 12^th line of Bradford West Gwillimbury (BWG), Don enjoyed and was shaped by a wholesome country upbringing, surrounded by family, which included hard work, abundant community connections, and the countless adventures and experiences that would be retold throughout his life (including the love of his ’68 Mustang convertible). Don enjoyed the nickname “Woody”, along with his brother Laurie.

Don’s career journey included Tupling Insurance, Clerk Treasurer of the Township of West Gwillimbury, and OPP Maintenance team, Nottawasaga Detachment.

He was a huge community supporter including being a Rotarian, a Mason with the Simcoe Lodge, and continually supporting Honourable Earl Rowe School P.S. and the Girl Guides of Canada, alongside his wife Madge.  In his retirement years Don was also a loyal patron and supporter of the Fil’s Café community in Barrie, alongside his brother-in-law George.

His passion for building manifested in the three beautiful homes he built for the family – two on Middletown Sideroad, and one on the 12^th line of BWG.  He loved and was sourced by nature and the out of doors, with pursuits including prospecting, canoeing, fishing, hunting, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, to name a few.

Always with a strong welcome handshake for all he met, be it friend or newcomer, Don’s gifts include his kindness, thoughtfulness, care, connection, his love of family, and his ever-ready offering of help to others.  This was all guided by his belief in living in the present moment.  His dry wit, wonderful sense of humour and playfulness will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace Dad.  Thank you for everything. We love you always, and your love, strength and spirit are forever with us in our hearts.

In Don’s memory, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada , the Canadian Lewy Body Dementia Research Fund , or a charity of your choosing.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to our dear personal care friends Laura and Cheryl, his physiotherapist Hans, as well as the direct front line resident care staff at the IOOF long term care home, for their love and attention to Dad.  Their guidance and support to our family during this final journey was invaluable.