Obituary

It is with indescribable sadness that we announce the passing of Oakley Woods. Dad passed at Groves Hospital May 29, 2025, SURROUNDED by his entire family. Oakley was born in Standstead-Nord, Quebec to Bessie Phaneuf (2015) and Kenneth Woods (1983). Dad, along with his siblings Edna Rediker (2017), Eugene Woods (2006) and Opal Barnett moved to Ontario when dad was 12 years old. A few short years later he met the love of his life (Donna Fitzpatrick) in a restaurant in Fergus. Shortly thereafter, he met his in-laws Roxie (2010) and Don Fitzpatrick (2004) who he would develop an extremely special bond with. Oakley and Donna married in July 1964, gaining dad a younger sister-in-law Kathy (the flower girl) and Cliff Davies. The following year, they welcomed their first child, Lecia (Dave) Johnston, and the following year, Sam (Liana) Woods. In the following years, they were blessed with a very a special nephew, Derek Fitzpatrick (2022) and later, their four grandchildren who were the lights of his eye: Cole (Brittny Ladley) Woods, Amber (Tyler Mostaard) Woods, Ryan (Alex Brady) Johnston and Erica (Brodie) Meadows. For a man with such a tough & rugged exterior, dad loved babies and watching the little ones grow. He was completely smitten with the great-grand babies when they started arriving. Once they began hanging around in the shop mixing up his nut and bolt bins, taking over where the grandkids had left off, he couldn’t help but laugh. Scarlett and Kane Mostaard, and Braxton and Brooks Meadows provided a lot of entertainment and smiles for him both in person and when checking in over Face Time on a constant basis. Dad also had a true affection for his fur babies, highlighted by his faithful companion Willy who was by his side through every day of his illness. Dad worked incredibly hard through the years at many different jobs. From working at Beatty’s, to whitewashing barns and hauling scrap, he truly was a jack of all trades. He managed to provide a great life for his family. He had a love for old cars, fishing and deer hunting. He eventually purchased “the shop,” which became the center of all activity. You could find dad there everyday with a multitude of friends stopping in, often for assistance with something or just to visit and perhaps enjoy a beverage. Mom often referred to it as “The House of Friendship” which was truly an appropriate name for it. We as a family have always understood the impact that he had on helping to mold us into the people we have all become. Over the last few days, we have also recognized the impact he made on so many others. We have had more than a few folks suggest that Elora has lost a legend. He will be tremendously missed by a great number of people. Growing up, we heard dad say on a regular basis that “the sun rises and sets on my wife and two kids.” Over time, he added our spouses, the grand children and the great-grandchildren. We have never doubted how much he loved us. So, in dad’s memory please hug your loved ones a little tighter and make sure they know how much you love them on a regular basis, as that will become an important memory for them. And if you are so inclined, raise a Molson Canadian or a rye and Pepsi (if mom’s not looking) in his memory. Dad’s health journey over the past couple of years has taken him to many healthcare facilities. We would like to thank the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, Guelph General Hospital and Groves Memorial Community Hospital for their care. Through all the health professionals dad met along the way there were two that were so special in their care of him that words alone cannot express how he felt about them. His family physician Dr. Morgan Kwiatkoski and his Respiratory Therapist Shawn White, the two of you truly made a difference in his life. Your level of not only expertise in your fields but your true care and compassion was deeply appreciated by dad and the entire family. Please know he considered you both good friends of his and truly appreciated you both. In keeping with dads wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a private family committal on a later date. As expressions of sympathy please consider Aboyne Rural Hospice or the Ryan Johnston Family & Friends Endowment Fund (Grand River Regional Cancer Centre). Arrangements entrusted to Graham Giddy Funeral Home (280 St. David St. S., Fergus, 519-843-3100). Visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com for Oakley’s online memorial.