Obituary
It is with great sadness the family of (John) Gary Wood announces his passing on October 18th, 2022. Gary was born in Waterways, Alberta on August 9th, 1940. He lived in a log cabin built by his father until his family moved to Unity when he was eight years old. From an early age Gary had a natural gift with animals and a love for the outdoors. In addition to the usual dogs and cats, he tamed a hawk and at one point created a ‘zoo’ with a friend. He was active in sports, becoming the shortest (and perhaps the bravest) high school pole vaulter in Unity’s history. He would pass his love for animals, nature and sports onto his children and grandchildren.
Gary began working in his father’s garage, Unity Auto Body Ltd, when he was thirteen. He would go on to own and operate the business until he was 63. He married his high school sweetheart, Laraine Smith, on April 1st, 1961 (but it was in the afternoon, so it was legit). He was a strong community supporter – as a Boy Scout leader, a coach for hockey, ringette and softball, an active member of the Unity volunteer fire department for over 20 years, a fire arms safety instructor, a courtesy car driver and an honourary Wildlife Federation member. In 2010, Gary and Laraine were joint recipients of the Unity Citizen of the Year award for their work on Unity’s 100th Year Anniversary celebrations.
He had a wide range of interests. Gary researched and collected Colt pistols, Winchester rifles, coins, stamps, antiques and artifacts. He read history, science fiction and especially loved a good western. His children grew up watching John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies and listening to Elvis every Christmas morning. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting with his lifelong buddies.
Gary is survived by his wife Laraine of 61 years, his four children and ten grandchildren: Shannon (son Rob); Maureen (Tom; children Dylan, Keara, Brynn, Liam); Blair (Theresa; children Emily, Nicole, Ethan); and Lori (daughters Sasha, Rowan). Gary was predeceased by his parents Jack and Gladys Wood and his sister Sharon.
He was a good husband, a good father, and a good friend. He will be much missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unity Wildlife Federation.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gary Wood August 9 1940 October 18 2022 (age 82)..
Décès pour la Ville: Unity, Province: Saskatchewan