Douglas WOODS

In loving memory of Douglas Woods

(January 13, 1928 - September 14, 2022)

Doug was born on January 13, 1928, the last of eight children. His early years were spent on a dairy farm just outside Langham. After his father James died, Doug and his mother Mary moved to Saskatoon, where he delivered orders for Folk's Finer Furs. Doug knew straightaway that city life was not for him, and on June 30, 1941, he jumped on his bike and headed for Plenty (more than 100 miles from Saskatoon!).

Plenty was Doug's home, and the place he loved most. After a stint at the car dealership, he took on the role of janitor at Northwest Central High School and drove the bus for many kids who became lifelong friends. He also farmed part-time. In 1952, Doug married Maxine McKenzie, with whom he had five children: Wes, Myrna, Lori, Wayne, and Warren. They moved out to the McKenzie farm in 1972, remembered as the "happiest place in the world," especially by Doug and Mac's grandchildren.

Doug was funny, caring, gentle, and sharp as a tack. He was an avid reader, skilled at drawing, and had music in his soul. He sang and played piano by ear and loved attending the concerts and dance recitals of his grandchildren. After their retirement, Doug and Mac were regulars at Hermann’s Jazz Club in Victoria. Doug loved farming, hunting, camping at Chitek and Kimball, gardening, animals (especially birds!), and all things nature. Of all the dogs he loved, Raymond (a goose who thought he was a dog) was his favourite. He followed Doug everywhere (and was also known to attack the odd visitor...).

Doug made everyone feel special and looked after all those who needed it, giving far more than he ever took for himself. Whether coffee or happy hour at the farm, the garage in town, or condo across from Market Mall in Saskatoon, everyone was welcome at the Woods’, warmed by Mac's cooking, wood stove fires, basement moonshine, and the stories of family and friends.

Doug lived a great life full of laughter, love, and community and is remembered as a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather (GG), uncle, and friend. His kindness, selflessness, and acceptance of others remain an inspiration to all those who loved him.

Doug will be dearly missed by his wife of 69 years, Maxine, his five children: Wes (Melanie), Myrna (Bill), Lori (Dan), Wayne (Marion), Warren (Lynn), and their families (including 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren), and a large community of extended family and friends.

Doug’s life was celebrated in Plenty on Tuesday, September 20th at 11am with a service at the United Church followed by a light lunch at the hall.

In lieu of flowers, Doug’s family invites donations to the Friendship Inn 619 20th Street W. Saskatoon, SK. S7M0X8