CYRIL WOODS

It is with profound sadness that the family of Cyril Woods, Baron of Slane, announces his passing on May 8, 2025. He was a devoted husband to Lorna; a cherished grandfather to Ryan; and a beloved great-grandfather to Wesley. Cyril was predeceased by his first wife, Mona; his daughter, Ruth; and his son, Mark. Born on May 21, 1930, in Castlederg, Ireland, Cyril grew up in nearby Omagh with his parents, George Albert and Margaret; and his siblings, Tommy, Bert, and Marina. As a young boy, he learned the painting trade, working for his uncle's businesses painting all over Ireland. Cyril also spent a lot of his youth in gymnastics, boxing, and wrestling, becoming accomplished in all three disciplines. At 16, Cyril embarked on an adventurous journey, hitchhiking across Europe with friends. His travels led him to Algiers, where he worked aboard the ship Marina Hill, which sailed to Quebec City. There, he jumped ship and made his way to his aunt's apartment in The Bronx, New York. While working as a painter at the Governor Clinton Hotel, he was detained by immigration authorities due to improper documentation and held at Ellis Island. He was later deported to England aboard the Queen Mary Ocean Liner. In Manchester, he met his first wife, Mona, and they welcomed their daughter, Ruth, in 1955. In 1961, they would welcome their son, Mark. In 1956, Cyril immigrated to Canada with just $100. Through determination and hard work, he continued his painting trade and later became the exclusive Canadian distributor of Thoro System Products, a leader in waterproofing and construction materials. His success with Thoro led him to establish U.S.E. Hickson, a manufacturing business specializing in automotive anti-corrosion coatings, cements, foundation sealers, architectural coatings, roofing products, caulks, and adhesives. These were used in civil, industrial, commercial, residential, and automotive sectors, and sold around the world. In 1989, Cyril met his second wife, Lorna, in Toronto, and they would be married two years later in Singapore. Cyril was deeply committed to charitable organizations and preserving history and tradition. Though he preferred to give without formal recognition, his generosity touched many lives. At 16, he became an Apprentice Boy of Londonderry and later joined the Orange Order. He became a Member of the Order of St. John, eventually being elevated to Knight of Justice of St. John in Canada. He is a Knight Grand Cross with Gold Star of Malta; he also held the Grand Cross Gold Star of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Cyril received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and was honored by Pope Francis as a Knight Grand Cross with Gold Star of the Order of St. Gregory. He was also a member of the Ellis Island Order in the USA and served in various roles in the Masonic Order, including Master of Stevenson Lodge. He served as the Honorary Consul General of the Gambia, West Africa, from 2000-2007. In 2002, to increase its visibility in Canada, as well as increase its financial support within the business community, the United Nations Association in Canada formed its Canadian Corporate Leadership Council for the United Nations. Cyril served as the Council's Inaugural Honorary Chair. In 2006, Cyril was appointed Honorary Colonel of the Princess of Wales' Own Regiment in Kingston, Ontario, his opportunity to serve Canada in uniform - a role he took on with passion, enthusiasm, and generosity. He was so proud of his unit and the PWOR Cadet Corps. An ardent supporter of Canadian military history, he was a founding member and sponsor of the 1917 First World War Battle of Hill 70 Memorial Project in France, commemorating a significant Canadian victory. In 2018, he purchased the Lieutenant Robert Hill Hanna Victoria Cross for the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. Cyril's legacy of kindness, philanthropy, leadership, and dedication to community and heritage will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.