Norman Howard Wood

Our family would like to acknowledge the recent passing of our father and grandfather, Norman Howard Wood. Norman passed away in hospital in Campbell River, British Columbia on May 31, 2025, at the age of 88. Norm was born in Unity, Saskatchewan, February 26, 1937. He is predeceased by his wife Helen (Hanson) in 1999 as well as wife Barbara (Wilson) in 2018, his parents Howard and Lois (Phillips), siblings Hugh and Audrey. He is survived by siblings, Gary (Eileen), Mary, Donald (Margaret) and Brian (Nicole).

Life on the prairies revolved around hard work on the farm, driving the tractor and working on a local threshing crew during harvest at age 14, and at age 17 working with the municipality grading and building grid roads. The Wood family was quite musical, so hard work was balanced with playing music, singing and attending local school dances. It was at one of those dances that Norm met Helen Hanson, and they were married on Dec. 12, 1958. Together they raised two children: Leon (Yukie, Emily) and Tanis (Paul Huber). Norm worked many years for the Co-op in fuel and agriculture supplies sales and management. Many family memories were made on camping trips, exploring much of Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. Norm took up Square and Round Dance calling in 1985, a hobby that turned into full time calling and travel for a span of 30 years.

Norm was lucky enough to find a second life partner and he and Barbara were married on February 2, 2002. The joining of the two families included Larry (Candice) and Steven (Michelle), as well as several grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren. Together they enjoyed many years of continued square and round dance calling and travelling in their motor home, also settling at a seasonal site at Indian Head, SK. Their life always involved social gatherings, as wherever Norm was, he was warm, welcoming, and made you feel comfortable. He is often described as “a real gentleman”.  He lived by the motto that tomorrow is always going to be a better day.

Throughout his life, Norm lived in several communities, including Stranraer, Unity, Kindersley, Regina and Outlook. Enduring friendships and fond memories were made in each location. Norm moved to Campbell River, BC in 2020, settling in at Berwick by the Sea, where he made many friends and participated in the activities offered there. He greatly enjoyed his time living on the West Coast.

We would like to thank the staff of Unit 3A at the Campbell River hospital for their kind and respectful care, as well as the BC Cancer Lodge in Victoria.

Those wishing to do so may consider a donation in honour of Norman, to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Interment will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Unity, Saskatchewan this Autumn.