Douglas Wood

Douglas Wood 1924-2016 In celebration of a life well lived, we announce that our father, Doug Wood, has passed away at the ripe age of 92 years. Doug was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, grew up in Springbank, and developed his entrepreneurial spirit with "Dime-a-Time"; a grocery delivery business delivering groceries from the Polo Grocery Store on his bicycle for 75 cents a week. During WWII Doug became the Lead Air Craftsman within the Airforce where he helped to build the Northwest Staging Route in Northern Canada, which allowed aircraft to be transferred to Alaska to better reach the Theatre of War in Japan.

Doug's adult years revolved around sports; skating at the Crystal Rink, dancing at Penley's Ballroom and with The Banff Trailers Square Dance Club, skiing at Mount Norquay, swimming, camping, playing badminton and tennis. It was during a tennis match at the Calgary Tennis Club, that Doug went to fetch a stray ball and looked up to see a young Elizabeth Moore; to which Doug exclaimed "Wow, what a doll!". Doug and Betty were married in 1952 and have enjoyed a rich 64 years of marriage, which included many memorable experiences including a cameo performance in "The Assassination of Jesse James" with Brad Pitt.

Doug transformed the family business Wood's Leather Goods into an internationally recognized luggage repair depot, which Doug supported for 60 years. Upon his retirement, he built upon his craftsmanship in leather and woodwork and his baking became legendary. Doug's award winning cakes and cookies were shared through community fairs, and with friends and family.

Doug is preceded by his parents Harold and Lily, brother Ray, sister Leatrice, son Tim, and baby girl Shawn; Doug is survived by his wife Elizabeth, sister Gloria, daughters Maureen (Rob Faunt) and Karen (Rick Ware), and sons Mike and Christopher (Karen); his 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Doug's memorial will take place on December 10th, 2016 at 2:30 PM at McInnis & Holloway; 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary. Special thanks are extended to Drs. Jeremy DeBruyn & George Vitale, and the wonderful staff at both Foothills Medical Centre (Unit 37) and Agape Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Calgary Poppy Fund are greatly appreciated.