It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of William “Bill” J. Wood Sr. on Saturday May 3, 2025 at age 80 in his home surrounded by his loved ones. Bill was born to Irene (Wood) MacIntosh in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. As a young boy, he was cared for and loved by his maternal grandmother, Mary (Cantwell) Wood.
At 17 years of age, Bill joined the Gagetown Armed Forces in the Black Watch. After serving for a few years, he was medically discharged and moved to Kitchener, Ontario for employment. It was there he met his loving wife, Paula Wagner. They went on to marry and have 6 children.
In 1982, the family made their move to Belmont, Nova Scotia where Bill joined the local Debert Legion Branch #106. He went on to serve as president multiple terms as well as various officer positions and received a Lifetime Membership Award for Outstanding Service on January 28th, 2025. Throughout his time at the legion, he was often called upon to serve in the Color Party based out of Debert at various ceremonies and parades around the County, specifically at the Remembrance Day Parade in Debert each year. He was never one to decline the call for pomp and circumstance.
As his children grew, he volunteered for a variety of their activities by encouraging participation and commitment. You could always find Bill either helping at the ball field or working at Vintage Mouldings where he was employed for over 25 years until he retired at the age of 76.
Bill enjoyed puttering – whether it be in his home, his property or the occasional golf course. He was a man of his word and annually; after tilling his own garden, always made his way up the road to tend to a neighbor’s garden as well. Ask once…and you shall receive.
Bill was a sportsman from his younger years into adulthood. He was an avid dart player – a damn good one too! He loved to read and had a healthy appetite for anything historical. He easily got lost in a good movie or a tv show. Bill thoroughly enjoyed nighttime snacking (although his figure never revealed his secret). Sitting outside on a hot summer day enjoying the heat, listening to the birds and enjoying the fruits of his and Paula’s labor of a beautifully cultivated property was about as good as it could get. It was all about the simple things.
Adding to his many acts of service, we would be remiss if we did not mention the work of heart he and Paula performed for the last 20 plus years. Initially, he and a work colleague fabricated hundreds of metal crosses and together, Bill and Paula painted and placed them annually alongside a Canadian flag on all veterans’ grave sites in cemeteries around the West Colchester Area. This was no small role; they meticulously cared for, repainted and replaced crosses every single year. Excellent record keeping by tracking obituaries throughout the years had them adding to their ever-growing list of caretaking.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Paula (Wagner) Wood; and children, Angela Wood, Windsor; Bill Wood Jr (Michelle), Truro; Alana (Jim) Rushton, East Mountain; Karen (Brett) Phinney, Economy; John-Paul (Sarah) Wood, Truro; and Leanne (Kristen) Fisher, Green Oaks. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Matthew, Lucas, Katelyn Rushton, Benjamin Wood, India Fisher, Jaxsen Wood and great-granddaughter, Layna Doucette-Rushton.
Bill will also be remembered by his extended family, his loving sister, Barbara (Shaun) O'Neill, Ben Eoin; and their sons, Shaun E., George and Ian O’Neill; and close cousin, Percy (Hubba) Brewer and his wife, Lavinia.
He was predeceased by his mother, Irene MacIntosh; son-in-law, Mark Morison; and grandson, Joseph Wood.
Our own ‘Doctor Dolittle’ treasured all living creatures, but his beloved pets held a cherished spot in his heart. His current trio of kitties along with his little terrier, Bob brought him great comfort these last few months. We are peacefully assured he is now reunited with his soul pup, Rocky.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Arimathea Funeral Cooperative. Cremation has taken place. A Legion Tribute Service will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Nova Scotia Golden Retriever Rescue (NSGRR) via e-transfer to nsgrr@eastlink.ca. This amazing rescue placed into his care a loyal and loving fur companion, Charlie at a time when healing was paramount for his animal loving heart.
We extend deep gratitude to a dedicated health care team that came together quickly to assist Bill with his strong desire to remain in his home during his brief illness. Special recognition and appreciation to Dr. Alexander Ednie, Continuing Care NS coordinator, Jennifer McGill, the many compassionate VON Home Care ladies, VON Nursing and his Palliative Care Team angels, Dr. Cortney Smith and Mary Pettipas, RN (our absolute lifelines).
Bill will be deeply missed by all that knew him and his memory will live on in our hearts forever.
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