Neil Roderick WOOD

1931 - 2023

NEIL RODERICK WOOD August 22, 1931 - January 30, 2023 On Monday, January 30, 2023, following a long battle with Stage 4 Melanoma, Neil Wood of Toronto passed away at the age of 91 years via the Maid Program. He made his exit as courageously and as deliberately as he had lived. He was surrounded by his family, celebrating a life well lived with few regrets. Neil will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his wife of 13 years, Elizabeth Margaret (Grant) and first wife, Jean Mitchell (Hume); by his daughters-in-law, Mara, Renee and Cindy; his stepdaughters, Heather and Gillian, by his grandchildren, Riley, Neil, Ashley, Hartley, Ellio and Isabella; and by all his good friends and extended family. Neil was pre-deceased by his second wife, Sherrill Eileen (Norcross). Sadly, Neil was also pre-deceased by his cherished daughter, Barbara. However, his 3 sons, Brian, John and David, will carry his torch forward together with the deepest respect and gratitude for his strength, exemplary leadership and a lifetime of friendship and memories. Neil was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Reginald Wood and Pearl Beek in 1931. As an only child, the son of a 'Bernardo Boy,' and whose mother passed at 5 years old, Neil was truly a self-made man. He attended Kelvin High School and the University of Manitoba, graduating with a BComm; as Captain of the University of Manitoba Bisons Basketball Team and as a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. After graduating from Harvard Business School with an MBA, Neil began his business career with The Great West Life Insurance Company and subsequently held executive level positions, as President and Director, with Fairview Corporation, The Cadillac Fairview Corporation and Markborough Properties. Neil was lead developer of the Toronto Eaton Centre, CF Pacific Centre, The Toronto Dominion Centre and numerous other Regional Malls, Shopping Centers, and Office Buildings over his career. He was a past President of CIPPREC (Canadian Institute of Public and Private Real Estate Companies), past Chairman & President, ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers), past President, Rosedale Golf Club, and a Director of Hudson's Bay Company, Dorsay Development Corporation, Gentra Inc., Campeau Corporation and Td Mortgage Corporation. Neil's true passions were golf, music, knowledge, travel, nature and family. He filled his life with all, planning spectacular trips around the globe, filling his home with fabulous music, and sharing his love for the golf course and the outdoors. His enthusiasm for life was infectious, his thirst for knowledge was contagious, and his pursuit of excellence in all areas of his life was admired by all who knew him. He was a NAUI Certified Scuba Diver and belonged to numerous private clubs including Lambton, Rosedale, Beacon Hall, Lost Tree, The Loxahatchee Club, Craigleith Ski Club, the Toronto Club and Beaumaris, where he pursued his love of golf, tennis and many friendships. Notwithstanding, he was most at home with his family and close friends at his summer home in Muskoka, his winter chalet in Collingwood and, following retirement, at his home in South Florida. Neil will be cremated following a private family service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. A burial service will be held in Spring/Summer 2023 followed by a celebration of life. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the all the wonderful Doctors, Nurses, caregivers, and service providers for their care and compassion. Many became true friends.