Obituary of Roger Patrick Woods

March 16, 1940 - London, England

January 17, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Roger Patrick Woods passed away peacefully in Calgary, AB, Canada, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at the age of 83 years, following his courageous battle with advanced complex dementia. His daughter, Samantha and "soul-daughter," Carol Akbar were by his side, holding his hands, reassuring him that he was infinitely loved and would soon be reunited with his soulmate Iris, and his beloved son Martin.

Roger was born on March 16, 1940, in wartime England, the son of Lilian and John (Jack) Woods and the proud big “bruv” and best friend for life, Terry Woods. He often regaled his children and grandchildren with post-war stories, with his favourite being a daring escape from a "bobby" by jumping from the second story of a bombed church, resulting in a distinctive horseshoe-shaped scar on his elbow, which became a source of pride and conversation among friends and family. Throughout his life, Roger surrounded himself with diamond friends, and their friendships endured as they aged together.

In June 1962, Roger married Iris, his forever partner and soulmate. They initially lived with Roger's parents as he worked diligently to become a top draftsman and subsequently earned his mechanical engineering degree, before immigrating to Canada in 1965. Roger and Iris settled in Calgary, which would become their permanent home for approximately 40 years. Roger was a proud, playful, extremely loving, and dedicated father who consistently chose his family over career advancement. He was unwavering in his convictions and, like Iris, spoke up when he saw integrity compromised, whether in the boardroom or the family room.

Roger took immense pride in his English roots, forever loyal to his east-end London background. He indulged in traditional Cockney English dishes, such as pie n' mash, jellied eels, cockles, and fish and chips, often trying to convince his Canadian-born children that these were delicacies to be savoured, much to their disdain.

From the beginning, Roger challenged the status quo and embraced every adventure and challenge, from travelling to skiing and squash to his younger days of playing "footie" (soccer). He was a diehard West Ham fan, passionately defending his team even in defeat. He often joked that his blood type was "claret and blue" whenever he had bloodwork done. Even in his later years, when Roger entered a long-term care home specializing in complex dementia in 2021, he still managed to sing along to the team's fan song "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles." He beamed joyfully when his daughter, Sam, yelled, "GO 'ammers!"

Iris and Roger briefly tried settling in England, living in both the north and south of the country, but Canada always pulled them back. They cherished their time with their growing family, Martin and Samantha. Roger adored his grandchildren, Cameron, Aaron, Chelsea, and Matthew, often subjecting them to his dry British humour and abundant teasing, banter, and tricks.

Roger’s brilliance and creativity led him to develop many exciting engineering innovations, including the streetlights found along the main thoroughfares in Calgary. His leadership skills were progressive, inspiring, and driven by integrity. Companies like Ford, Barber Industries, Flour Canada, and the National Research Council were fortunate to have Roger’s tenacity, intelligence, and heart.

Roger was renowned for his dedication to athletics and overall fitness, actively playing squash, participating in numerous aerobic classes, and working out daily. He was ahead of his time, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy body and brain to his children. He worked hard and played hard.

When their beloved Martin passed away in 2008 from cancer, Roger was a pillar of strength, comforting Iris and Samantha and reassuring them that this was not the end. Roger's fascination with the laws of science brought solace to their grieving hearts, as he would often say, "Energy cannot be created or destroyed. It just changes form."

Roger leaves behind his daughter, Samantha Woods, who was his devoted caregiver and advocate during his battle with complex dementia. His grandchildren, Cameron Patrick Clark, Aaron John Dauncey Clark, Chelsea Woods, and Matthew Woods, were his pride and joy. Cameron, Aaron, and Samantha were fiercely protective of Roger and fought systems of negligence to ensure he eventually received the best care. They will forever cherish their special visits with Papa at his care facility, bringing chocolate, cookies, coffee, music, and bad singing to bring a smile to his face. Sadly, Roger was predeceased by his son Martin Woods, his beloved wife Iris Woods, and his brother Terry Woods.

A Celebration of Roger’s Life will be held at Gellatly Regional Heritage Park (4120 Gellatly Road South, West Kelowna, BC) on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 12:30 p.m.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at the CDC Chinook Intercare Facility for their dedicated care of Roger and Samantha during the last two years.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Chinook Intercare, Complex Dementia Care unit, attention: Kristel Ferrer, 1261 Glenmore Trail S.W., Calgary AB T2V 4Y8, telephone: 403-252-0141. Alternatively, we kindly request that you consider making a meaningful donation of your time by visiting a publicly funded long-term dementia care facility. Your presence can provide comfort and companionship to vulnerable seniors, letting them know they are not alone and loved. Roger would be proud of this gesture.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Roger’s family here.

In living memory of Roger Woods, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.